Toto Wolff is hopeful of Lewis Hamilton agreeing to a Mercedes Formula 1 contract extension 'in days, not weeks'. The future of seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Hamilton has been the subject of debate in 2023, with the Briton in the final year of his current contract at Mercedes. Whilst positive comments have been made by both Hamilton and Wolff over the start of the season, rumours on the 38-year-old's future included a link to Ferrari and even a step away from the sport altogether. Hamilton has also previously denied that any new contract was subject to the performance of the recently-upgraded Mercedes W14, which had an improved showing at the previous race in Barcelona. Wolff and Hamilton confirmed that discussions were going to take place after the Spanish Grand Prix, raising hopes of a contract extension that could keep Hamilton racing until his 40s.
Speaking ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix - where Hamilton claimed his first Formula 1 victory in 2007 - Wolff was optimistic of a new deal being concluded in "days". "We're still talking, we get this question basically every race weekend," Wolff told CNBC's Squawk on the Street programme. "We've got such a good relationship that we dread the moment that we need to talk about money, so, it's going to happen soon. "I think we're talking more days than weeks." When asked if a new contract would be signed prior to the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff replied: "We're trying hard."
Wolff: Hamilton needs to stay as long as possible
Speaking from the New York Stock Exchange, Wolff was asked about the value that Hamilton brings to the Mercedes team. "From a team's perspective, Lewis and Mercedes have gone back a long time. He has never raced for any brand other than Mercedes," added Wolff. "We both joined the team in 2013 together, it's been ten years, and from a professional relationship, we now gone to a friendship. It has been a wonderful time. "Lewis is the most important personality in the sport. He is so multi-faceted, not only with the racing, but also off track, so we need to keep him in the sport for as long as possible."
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