'Hamilton and Mercedes agree on Verstappen clause'

More and more sources, including F1 Insider, report that Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have reached an agreement on the new contract of the seven-time world champion. It would also include a clause with veto rights over his teammate.

New contract

The 37-year-old Briton has been driving for Mercedes since 2013 and has been world champion six times so far. Only in 2016 did he have to leave the title to teammate Nico Rosberg. Hamilton's contract expired last year and negotiations have been ongoing for some time. According to insiders, Hamilton would sign a one-year contract with an option for a second season. His salary remains the same (estimated at 40 million euros per year). He will be allowed to use two advertising spaces on his helmet and overall.

Verstappen clause

Much more striking however is the alleged clause in the contract which gives Hamilton a veto over his team mate. Among insiders this clause is even called the Verstappen-clause. It is an open secret that Max Verstappen is on Toto Wolff's wish list, but many F1 experts believe that Hamilton would rather not have the young Dutchman as a teammate.

Keeping tempers busy

The contract negotiations between Hamilton and Mercedes are already causing quite a stir in F1. "It's a shame and almost embarrassing. It's February now and the most important man in Formula 1, the seven-time world champion, still hasn't been confirmed as a driver," Ralf Schumacher said earlier this week and Ross Brawn had an opinion too. "It is up to Mercedes and Lewis to find their solution, but it would be a great shame for Lewis to quit."