Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes generally take their time in agreeing new Formula 1 contracts. In 2021, it was not until February and just before pre-season testing that a one-year deal was signed to keep the seven-time champion at the team. A new two-year deal was announced later in the year, but this is set to expire at the end of 2023, with talks ongoing over a new extension to keep Hamilton racing into his 40s. Negtioations are ongoing, but slow as details are being thrashed out between driver and team. One person responsible for handling talks between the two parties is Penni Thow, who joined Hamilton's management inner circle in 2021.
Penni Thow's experience
Canadian-born Thow is based in New York, and founder and CEO of Copper, a talent advisory and investment firm. It specalises in entertainment, media, sports, technology, philanthropy and fashion - all areas Hamilton has interests in, such as his work with Tommy Hilfiger. Before founding Copper, Thow served as executive vice-president of SB Projects, working closely with artist manager Scooter Braun. Worldwide stars such as Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande are some the clients Braun has worked with. During her time working with Grande, Thow was heavily involved in organising the One Love Manchester concert in response to the May 2017 terrorist attack in the city at a Grande concert which killed 23 people and injured over 1,000. The concert raised nearly £18 million GBP. Contract terms with Hamilton are being discussed, although boss Toto Wolff has said financial terms are not part of the delay on pen being put to paper on fresh terms. But he did reveal that he and Hamilton don't talk money between themselves, instead using Thow as a go-between. "Talking about money matters with a friend is difficult," he told ESPN. "Penni helps with that. Penni keeps us informed and how we talk about it goes smoothly. We don't talk about it with each other, but we both talk to Penni."
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