McLaren ups money offer in ongoing bid to keep Hamilton
25 September, 2012
Lewis Hamilton in Singapore
Sep.25 (GMM) McLaren has upped its monetary offer in a late bid to secure Lewis Hamilton’s services for 2013 and beyond, according to several British newspapers, amid speculation that the Englishman is eyeing a move to Mercedes.
The Daily Mail reported that McLaren has increased its offer by €2.5 million to €15 million, which is still less than Hamilton’s current retainer of about €19 million.
In the Times, correspondent Kevin Eason wrote that some in the paddock now expect an announcement to be made “in the next few days”.
But Eason also quoted an observer as saying: “For a guy who is so fast in a Formula One car, he is taking his time making a decision.”
Asked if an announcement is imminent, boss Martin Whitmarsh answered: “We will see what we can do. I think we are a good team together.”
German reports claim that Mercedes, Hamilton’s possible destination for 2013, will be in Stuttgart on Tuesday for a board meeting.
While Hamilton’s retainer at Mercedes would be about the same or even slightly lower as is on offer by McLaren, the German manufacturer is reportedly open to allowing Hamilton and his management to negotiate lucrative personal endorsement deals.
“These last couple or three races he [Hamilton] has been doing very well,” the Guardian quotes F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone as having said on Monday.
“Before that, why he was upset I don’t know but he was definitely going to move no matter what. He had made up his mind that he was going. Whether he has changed now I don’t know.”
The Telegraph reports that triple world champion Niki Lauda has been working in the background to convince Hamilton to join Mercedes.
And the great Austrian would be “offered a senior role at Mercedes” if Hamilton does sign up, correspondent Tom Cary revealed.
Subbed by AJN.
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- McLaren: Hamilton to replace Schumacher at Mercedes is not true
- Hamilton says new McLaren contract is all about business
- McLaren boss says Hamilton should have backed off in Maldonado duel
- Money talks as Hamilton and McLaren square up for contract negotiations
Lewis Hamilton signed Mercedes Deal for 100 million $ to stay for 3 years
Thing is when Mercedes do make that winning car, they will not be looking at Lewis to drive it. And by that time, unless you are in the team already, your chances will decrease dramatically if you not a German.
I think he will stay at Mclaren, where he can win races & have his $ too. How long the contract will be, is another story
After Just A One And A Half Years Of Poor MCLAREN Performance, AYRTON Wanted To Leave For WILLIAMS On A Work For Free Basis In 1993.
Because ALAIN Was There He Was Denied Of It.
So He Spent All Of His Last Year In MCLAREN ( 1993 ), On A Race By Race Contract Until That WILLIAMS Seat Was Available In 1994.
Fat Chance, But Unless LEWIS Is 2012 WDC I Think He Should Do Exactly The Same Until He Finds A Good Enough Team To Be WDC Again.
And After That He Should Accept Only A 1 Or 2 Year Contracts, Tops, Just To Be Free To Jump Ship If And When Any Team Screws His Potential Again.
Being In Any Mid Or Top Team Means That He Will Increase His Race Victories Tally, But I Doubt He Will Win Another WDC In MCLAREN Again, And That Is Why I Think He Should Leave As Soon As Possible, Going To MERCEDES Or Whatever.
Go, HAMILTON !
Lewis will be remembered regarding how many champioships that he wins, and not the amount of money that he makes. Right now a move to Mercedes will not increase his race wins……I hope that he still remains with Mclaren, but wait until Mercedes produces a front running car, before making that move.
He should go to Mercedes. If he goes there and makes them a front runner, he will establish his place with the greats of F1. Staying at Maclaren will only continue the drama.
LH will just go where the money is.