Is Hamilton's contract extension not so close after all? "No announcement at Silverstone"

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff indicated after the Austrian Grand Prix that there will be no announcement regarding Lewis Hamilton's contract this weekend. Prior to the race weekend in Canada, Wolff still said that it would "take a few more days" before an agreement would be reached, but that suddenly seems a bit further away. Mercedes does not seem to want to accede to Hamilton's demands, and so the contract will not be a five-year deal.

Hamilton seemed to have found his mojo again in Canada, but in Austria the seven-time world champion's mood had turned. The Briton complained over the board radio about how difficult the car was acting and how slow the W14 was. Also, Hamilton hammered on the track limits, for which he himself received a penalty afterwards. Team boss Wolff twice tried to calm Hamilton down by talking to him over the board radio. In Canada, it seemed that a podium finish brought Wolff and Hamilton closer to a deal, but whether that remains the case now remains to be seen.

Wolff confirmed toThe Daily Mail that there will be no announcement regarding a new deal this weekend prior to the British Grand Prix. In addition, he revealed that the extension will not be as long as five years, shorter than what Hamilton has asked for. "I'm still sure it won't be long," the Austrian said. "We want it to be perfect, and every detail to be right," Wolff explained, which must be one reason why it is taking so long. Meanwhile, of course, the rumor mill in the paddock is running at full speed.

Mercedes seems unwilling to meet Hamilton's demands

The seven-time world champion had made several demands for his new contract. The Brit currently has a bonus of fifteen million pounds a year that he gets if he wins the title. Since that is unlikely this year, Hamilton seems to want that fifteen million pounds added to his salary by default. He would also like to remain with the team as an ambassador for at least another ten years after his retirement.