Lewis Hamilton has shed light on contract negotiations with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff before signing an extension to stay in F1.
The seven-time world champion ended months of speculation over his F1 future by agreeing a new two-year contract extension with Mercedes in a deal announced at the end of August.
Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Wolff repeatedly reiterated that a new contract would be signed, both suggesting that only minor details needed to be finalized as negotiations appeared to drag on.
Speaking to Swiss media outlet Blick, Hamilton spoke about the nature of his “negotiation” with Wolff.
“This is not the first time we discussed and debated in detail for hours,” he said. “Always follow the motto:
From Thursday to Sunday, I belong only to Formula 1.”
Hamilton continued:
“There are a lot of details about my advertising activities.
“I’m in a lucky position with Toto. He was respected and admired by everyone. It’s easy to negotiate with him. And that makes him a great leader.
When asked if he always reads his contract, Hamilton replied:
“Of course I want to know exactly what’s inside.” But now it’s over 200 pages or a damn book. And it takes you days!
The 38-year-old’s new contract will extend his time at Mercedes to 13 years and keep him in F1 beyond his 40th birthday.
Hamilton said he had “underestimated” his passion for F1 when he previously suggested he would not continue racing after the age of 40, although he admitted it had become a “love-hate story”.
“I have to admit that I underestimated my love for this sport,” he said. “But it became a story about love and hate. There are days when I don’t want to climb into the cockpit.
Hamilton added:
“The duels with teammate George also motivated me. You must always be alert.
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