Mercedes boss Toto Wolff makes Lewis Hamilton contract promise

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has issued a promise to F1 fans over Lewis Hamilton’s new deal with a contract yet to be signed. The Austrian boss has reassured Silver Arrows supporters that Hamilton “will be part of the resurrection of the team“ as the squad chases down Red Bull.

Wolff described Hamilton as “such an important pillar of the team” despite the uncertainty over his F1 future. Wolff told Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs: “I think there is no need to persuade him.

“He knows about all the goodness and although we struggled with the car this year and last, he will be part of the resurrection of the team.” Hamilton has just months remaining on his contract with his current agreement expiring at the end of the season.

The duo have teased a new agreement for months but nothing official has yet been signed. Hamilton has even been linked with a move away from the German marque with Ferrari said to have been willing to offer Hamilton a £40million a year deal.

Both sides have denied holding talks with Hamilton continuing to pledge his allegiance to Mercedes. However, Wolff and Hamilton’s relationship is understood to be strong which could help the Austrian keep hold of the British F1 ace.

Wolff revealed their friendship was tested when the pair held ‘clear the air’ talks after falling out back in 2016. He explained: “That’s why I said to him ‘I don’t want a divorce and neither do you because I want the best racing driver in our cars and you want to have the best car.

“So we came to the conclusion we can have conflict, we can create an atmosphere where we are able to be totally honest with each other, and sometimes we agree to disagree but we move on.”

Reports suggested Hamilton and Mercedes have been in disagreement over the length of a contract in the last few months with the seven-time champion reportedly eager to sign up for an extra five years. But it is believed Mercedes were only willing to offer a smaller extension of around one or two years.

Wolff added: “We have gone through difficult spells and some very good moments. We celebrated many championships, we had discussions among ourselves which were not always easy.

“But today he is just a friend, an ally, he is the best racing driver in the world. I am very proud of being part of his career.”