Hamilton - Mercedes contract talks breakdown

Lewis Hamilton's contract negotiations with Mercedes have reportedly come to a halt with the future visions of both driver and manufacturer failing to match up.

Reports in Italy's Corriere dello Sport have revealed that six-time champion Hamilton is seeking a raise from his current salary of an estimated €42million per year, to €55m for the next four years.

The same report claims that Daimler Benz president Ola Kallenius is less than happy with the demands, which also include an ambassadorial for Hamilton once he retires from the sport.

The chief problem however, is that Mercedes are taking a more cautious approach to their future Formula One commitments. Having been at the top during the turbo-hybrid era to date, 2021 will mark the beginning of a new era in the sport and Mercedes are believed to only be interested in a two-year deal, not the four that Hamilton has requested.

Hamilton: 'I may need to start paying Kimi to stay so I’m not the oldest!'Read more

Speaking to Motorsport.com in early January, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff gave his thoughts on the future of Mercedes in Formula One.

"It is an issue that we are currently discussing with each other," said Wolff. "With an emphasis on 'being'. These conversations have not yet been completed.

"You can also say: "We have had a very successful period, we have nothing to prove anymore. Let's do something else. " There is something to be said for both."

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