“Bit embarrassing”: Ralf Schumacher criticizes contract poker for Hamilton

Stand: 5:49 p.m. | Reading time: 3 minutes

EA month before the start of the season, Mercedes is still missing another driver for its Formula 1 team. Record world champion Lewis Hamilton has not yet signed his contract for the season starting in March – to the regret of ex-driver Ralf Schumacher. The 45-year-old former Formula 1 driver also directed admonishing words in the direction of the British star driver in a conversation as an expert on the TV station Sky.

“One thing is also clear, Formula 1 is stronger than any individual,” said Schumacher. Hamilton also has to “give himself a push”. What is still a problem that Hamilton has not signed a new contract with the industry leader Mercedes is unclear. The fact is that the Silver Arrows want to present the new car for the coming season on March 2nd – preferably with a full driver duo, of course. The only unconfirmed driver for 2021 is Hamilton.

“It’s February now, and the most important man at the time of Formula 1 – the seven-time world champion – is still not fixed,” emphasized Ralf Schumacher: “I find it almost a bit embarrassing and a shame, I have to say honestly.”

“Lewis mustn’t forget the risk either”

In addition, Schumacher recalled that George Russell almost won the race when he drove in the Mercedes in Bahrain: “Lewis mustn’t forget the risk either.” Hamilton had to pause because of a corona infection. He currently keeps his fans up to date with short videos or photos of his winter training activities via social networks.

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Hamilton moved to Mercedes as the successor to Michael Schumacher for the 2013 season. Most recently he signed a two-year contract that expired at the end of 2020. The Briton won six of his seven titles with the German works team.

Wolff: “Contract not far away”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff expects an agreement soon. “We’re not far away,” said the 49-year-old to RTL / ntv in an interview. When asked whether it would happen soon, Wolff replied: “Soon is a flexible term. Soon. ”The deadline for the first test drives to Bahrain was set in mid-March. “By then we will have everything in a dry place,” said Wolff. The start of the season is scheduled for March 28, also in Bahrain.

The seven-time world champion Hamilton still has no contract for the upcoming season. According to Wolff, an extension of three years is not realistic. “I don’t think so,” continued the Austrian.

Wolff emphasized the good relationship with his English star pilot. “It’s also a friendship. Lewis is incredibly important, not just for our team, but also for the Mercedes brand. But the landscape is currently changing, ”he explained, referring to the budget cap and the new regulations from 2022.“ All of these are factors that naturally played a role in our discussions, ”Wolff continued.