Lewis Hamilton casting uncertainty over his Formula 1 future could merely be a tactic in Mercedes contract talks, Ralf Schumacher has suggested.
After the German manufacturer wrapped up a seventh Constructors’ Championship at Imola, the Briton threw a cat among the pigeons suggesting there was “no guarantee” he would remain with the team beyond 2020.
While the actual chances of Hamilton departing are seen as very low, and frankly surprising given the current position Mercedes are in, Schumacher does understand why the 35-year-old would consider it.
“This [2020] is now the seventh title that he will win, it doesn’t leave you without a mark,” he was quoted by SpeedWeek.
“For years this has been a lot of travelling, a lot of energy, a lot of sacrifice – and of course that sucks your strength.”
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At the same time, amid rumours of a driver salary cap in 2023 and Mercedes having to deal with the financial impact of Covid-19, the German does think Hamilton could be trying his luck.
“I think that due to the corona pandemic, they are not agreeing on the salary,” he said. “Perhaps he is also using that as a means.”
Another factor in Hamilton’s future is the future of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has also yet to sign a new deal beyond this year.
“With Mercedes and I, it is pretty much clear. It is just down to putting pen on paper at the right moment,” the Austrian was quoted by Crash.net.
“I was also concentrating on bringing these championships home and it was not right to spend days with lawyers and M&A [mergers and acquisitions] people, when I am so focused on what is happening on track.
“I think this is where Lewis and I are very similar,” Wolff added. “It just didn’t feel the right opportune moment to sit down before those championships are done.
“There will be a moment when the Drivers’ Championship is decided to sit down and we will have a few months before the first race happens in Australia.”
Toto though did admit Mercedes’ success didn’t come with a downside.
“It has not only taken a toll on myself, but it has taken a toll on everybody who is involved in the project,” he said.
“Blood, sweat and tears, that is going on behind closed doors, but you never see that.
“It seems like that we are rocking up on track and winning races, but the truth is there is so much sacrifice behind that on such an afternoon [when you win], it, just compensates for everything.”