Mercedes: Hamilton ambassadorial role not part of contract talks

Toto Wolff says a potential Mercedes ambassadorial role for Lewis Hamilton once he retires from F1 is not part of the Briton's contract talks with the German manufacturer.

Mercedes and Hamilton have been locked in talks for the better part of the year, even though the seven-time world champion has repeatedly claimed that he has no intention of leaving the Brackley squad, which has become his surrogate family over the years.

But the prolonged delay in the two parties inking a deal has led to speculation about a specific aspect of the covenant remaining a sticky point.

Speaking in Spa last week, Wolff was adamant that Hamilton's life after Formula 1 – regardless of the future direction the driver will set for himself – is not part of the men's contract discussions, the Austrian suggesting that only "trivial" aspects of the deal remain to be finalized by the two parties' legal teams.

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"We're not talking about an ambassadorial role post his retirement, nor is that part of the contract negotiations," explained Wolff last weekend.

"I think he has many years to go as a driver within this team, and therefore it's only about cleaning things up in the contract.

"I know it looks a little bit [uncertain] and why is this not being done and dusted? But it's simply down to trivial things that just need to be cleaned up in contracts."

Hamilton's most recent comments on his contractual situation with Mercedes date back to the recent Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.

"It’s very, very close," he said at the time. "It might be announced at the end of the year. I might keep you waiting!

"Honestly, I don’t have any more information for you to share. It continues to be with the lawyers, back and forth on things."

As for the monetary value of the Briton's potential future deal, the whisper in the paddock is that Hamilton has asked for a multi-year deal worth a whopping $50 million! Or a price an F1 driver can put on his own autograph!

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