Lewis Hamilton manager brought in so Brit and Wolff can ‘avoid’ difficult chat

Lewis Hamilton’s manager is acting as a mediator between the seven-time champion and Toto Wolff as they close in on a new Mercedes deal. Wolff revealed Hamilton’s manager, Penny Thow, was involved with discussions around Hamilton’s possible new wage.

It comes after Wolff admitted the pair “avoid” talking about money during their discussions with Thow acting as a go-between. The Mercedes team principal made the extraordinary admission ahead of the Emila Romagna Grand Prix as fresh details emerged on the negotiations.

According to Motorsport-Total, Wolff said: “Ultimately, it’s difficult to talk about money with a friend. Penny helps with that. Penny kept us in check, and we found a good modus operandi with her about how we talk to each other.

“We avoid it, to talk to each other about money, but we both talk to Penny.” It comes after Wolff stressed it was “embarrassing” to talk about money with Hamilton.

He also opened up on the struggles of managing the situation with both sides coming from separate sides of the negotiating table despite being friends.

Hamilton is understood to be targeting a “multi-year” deal to keep him in F1 for at least two more seasons. Wolff commented: “It’s super embarrassing. Every three years, we know that we have this moment.

“And it’s like negotiating the financial terms with your best friend with a close friend. How do you go about it? Normally, you don’t have a situation like that. I want the best for him, but in this role, I need the best for the team.”

Mercedes have previously claimed they have “no plan B” in place if Hamilton decides to walk away. However, the German squad has been linked with Ferrari talent Charles Leclerc, a move the Monegasque has tried to play down.

But, Hamilton has repeatedly assured his fans that he will stay loyal to the Silver Arrows despite the team’s struggles since new regulations were introduced last season. Speaking back in March, the 38-year-old said: “I continue to feel very much at home. It’s family. I see myself being with Mercedes till my last days, to be honest.

“If you look at the legends, Sir Stirling Moss was with Mercedes till the end of days. So, that’s been the dream for me to one day have that… well I have that, so I mean just continue on with that and continue to build with the brand.”