Formula 1 is quite similar to Speed Chess, where every move made is bound by time constraints but has a hidden motive behind it as well. It’s just not about the move itself but the consequential moves after it. Similarly, Lewis Hamilton’s new contract isn’t only him driving for the Brackley stable as the Red Bull legend unmasks Mercedes’ master behind it. What is the hidden motive?

After months of uncertainty and speculations, Lewis Hamilton is believed to have shaken hands with Toto Wolff over his Mercedes future. It is believed that Hamilton refused Ferrari’s offer to join the Maranello stable. Lawrence Barretto advised that Hamilton and Wolff have decided the major details of the Briton’s contract, including the financials and the duration. Only the finer details are left before the contract is officially signed. 

Amid all this, Red Bull legend David Coulthard reveals the motives behind Mercedes signing a new contract with Hamilton. Sponsorships are an important part of F1, as it is a capital-intensive sport. With the F1 cars essentially being huge billboards, sponsors get crucial advertising in return for paying sponsorship money. Coulthard explained how a lot of Mercedes’ sponsors joined the team because of Lewis Hamilton’s status. 

According to formulapassion.it, David Coulthard said, “The team has sold sponsorships with access to its drivers. Many of these companies have become partners of Mercedes because there is Lewis, not because there is George Russell.” He added “Mercedes is not just buying Lewis’ driving services. He’s buying his promotional image and his PR image.” [Translated Via Google]

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Mercedes is believed to be signing Hamilton for his public image that’ll help retain the sponsors. However, Lewis Hamilton is believed to have used his image very strategically when putting up his demands for the new contract. What did Hamilton ask for?

Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes’ Brand Ambassador?

Lewis Hamilton realizes that Mercedes isn’t just signing him for his driving skills but also for his promotional image. Hence, when the speculations first came out about Hamilton’s demand for his new Mercedes contract, it was believed to be a 10-year deal. 2 as an active racing driver and 8 years as a brand ambassador for the team. 

However, the Brit was rumored to be asking $25 million a year for his ambassadorial role. Sources suggested that the contract agreed upon by Hamilton and Mercedes is a 2-year one without any details about any ambassadorial role known yet.

Watch this Story: How 10-year-old Friendship Between Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff Is Coming in the Way of $35 million Worth Contract Renewal

What do you think about Mercedes’ master plan for renewing Lewis Hamilton’s contract?