NOT SO FAST, GUYS
Lewis stalling on £120M deal until F1 owners unveil blueprint for future
LEWIS HAMILTON is delaying a decision on his future – until he knows the long-term vision for Formula One.
Liberty Media, the American owners of the sport, will unveil their plans in Bahrain today ahead of the second Grand Prix of the season.
Hamilton has a £120million contract offer on the table from Mercedes which would confirm him as Britain’s best-paid sportsman.
But the four-times world champ said: “There is an announcement to be made and it is interesting to hear what is happening as I am an integral part of it.
“It will be great to know how Liberty’s vision is going to sit for us. Maybe it affects the driver market? Maybe it doesn’t, but that is what I am interested to know. It comes at a good time as I haven’t put pen to paper.
“It is good for the team and good for me. It is important we take our time because you should never rush anything.”
Hamilton had to settle for second place in the season opener in Melbourne after a mistake by his Mercedes team allowed rival Sebastian Vettel to turn a pit stop to his advantage.
The 33-year-old is in the last year of his current deal and is planning a career away from motor racing. He added: “The last contract was the most important up until that point, and the next one will be even more important.
“The decision as to how long you want to commit to F1 is becoming more important, particularly for me as I am at the latter end of my career.
“There is no rush and I will not be rushed into it. You want to have all the information so you can make the most knowledgeable decision.”