Staff Writer
Speaking at Silverstone ahead of his home British Grand Prix, a race he has won a record eight times, Lewis Hamilton confirmed on Thursday that talks about a new contract with Mercedes had advanced beyond salary and duration and were now focused on fine details. The seven-time world champion reiterated his confidence in the ‘Silver Arrows’ and his belief that they can catch and overhaul Red Bull. He also confirmed he would support any peaceful protest by climate activists.
Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, recently made some good remarks regarding their conversations. When asked if these statements were accurate, Hamilton responded, “Yes, that’s correct.”
He continued by saying that their relationship was open and honest, as seen by their brief radio conversation last Sunday at the Austrian Grand Prix, during which Hamilton complained about the performance of his car.
We can be honest with each other, which is the best aspect of our partnership, he remarked. Toto is basically an out-and-out racer, so that was his way of trying to uplift me.We constantly gain knowledge from our previous races, and for my part, I’ve reviewed my remarks to see where I stood mentally.
Hamilton continued by saying that this week’s talks focused on making this year’s car and a more competitive one for the following year.
He expressed his belief in the team’s potential for the future by saying, “I’m thinking that before the end of this season, we’ll already be well into the contract.”
“I continue to have complete faith in this team. Although it has taken longer for all of us to get where we want to be and is undoubtedly difficult, I am confident that we will succeed.
“All we have to do is keep working and make small progress toward our goal. Therefore, this weekend’s update to the front wing is necessary.
The 38-year-old British man also informed reporters that, under the condition that no one invaded the track, he would support a protest by Just Stop Oil activists.
“Yes, I do support peaceful protests,” he replied.
Last year, five protestors caused mayhem by storming the Wellington Straight and sitting down during the first lap, but the race had already been delayed and a catastrophe had been avoided.
The Silverstone race organizers have sought to strengthen security in advance of this year’s event, which is anticipated to draw a record 480,000 spectators, including 150,000 on race day on Sunday, adding 100 more marshals.
Hamilton also revealed his excitement for an Apple Original Films-produced F1 movie, which will begin production at Silverstone this weekend when the British Grand Prix is being held.
Hamilton expressed his excitement at how everything was coming together. “To know that this weekend marks the official start of filming! Naturally, there are nerves because we’ve been working on it for so long.
Fans have been sent images of the fake 11th team, APXGP, as well as their vehicle. “I hope we can do you proud,” the actor said. “We want everyone to love it and to really feel that we capture what the essence of this sport is all about.”
With Brad Pitt portraying one of the APXGP drivers, Hamilton’s Dawn Apollo Films is participating in the project.
Hamilton deemed it “pretty cool” that “we’ll have all the original characters that are actually on the grid and then Brad.” “Brad is such a recognizable actor, and he consistently does a fantastic job. I simply cannot express how thrilled I am to have him in the picture.
The APXGP team has been given a dedicated garage and pit wall space for the weekend.
