Hamilton would like to keep his trophies
At the time of seriously starting negotiations with his team for a contract renewal, Lewis Hamilton indicated that in the future he would like to keep his trophies, which are traditionally kept by McLaren at the Woking factory.
In August, F1 engines will not roar, due to the summer break. But behind the scenes, negotiations for the next season will be in full swing. This is particularly the case at McLaren, who would like to extend Lewis Hamilton’s contract.
The English team is undoubtedly the best option for the 2008 champion and probably also his first choice. While a contract renewal is often an opportunity to negotiate a pay raise, it seems that something else is the issue. Hamilton indeed would like to keep his trophies. However, at McLaren, the trophies remain at the factory.
Ron [Dennis] and the team have all the trophies, and the drivers have replicas. In many other teams, the drivers have the originals. As a racing driver, there are two things you work for and want to take home: your helmet and your trophies. For me, they’re priceless, explains the Briton.
On the McLaren side, they have taken note of Hamilton’s desires and believe that the issue of trophies should not be a problem when finalizing an agreement.
« I have known Lewis for a long time and I think we understand each other. I believe there is mutual respect between us. So I don’t see that (the trophies) as a big problem. We will see. »
Hamilton would like to be able to announce what his future will hold over the summer. So there are only a few weeks left to reach an agreement with his team. Will Lewis be able to decorate his mantelpiece with trophies by Christmas?
