I'd say Lewis is still in control, he has a few years left in him. His salary may take a nip, but he'll survive.
Things might be at a standstill because he's trying to get stuff that he wouldn't have gotten regardless of whether Russell had driven the car or not.
I wouldnt cry if he's not on the grid. Would be fun to maybe have some good races. But both sides have too much to lose right now.
I think Mercedes can pretty much dictate the terms of the next contract. Only decision to be made, is if Hamilton is willing to accept the pay cut.
I agree that Mercedes now has the upper hand. George proved that Lewis isn't the only driver on the grid that can bring them a championship. That hurt him. Also, I can guarantee Lewis doesn't want to share 7 titles with Schumacher, he wants that 8th title and he will not get it in any other car, and without Toto. He definitely will be on the grid though, other teams would pick him up simply due to marketability.
When's the last time anyone has seen an ad with Hamilton in it, at least in the US? I haven't seen anything that I can recall. At least within the last few years. I see Nico Rosburg on the beer commercials currently.
I for one, would love it if Hamilton’s big head causes MB to go with Russell. Slim chance, but I would welcome it.
7 F1 championships, 4 in a row, 95 wins vs 3 minor league championships. Yeah could definitely see that happening.
Like Marquez in motogp.... only makes the show better when they aren't there. Maybe even more so in F1 because it is harder to be impressed by what they are doing vs moto gp where every other lap it's lilke " woah!!! did you see that?!!!"
Lewis will sign, don't worry he'll be ok, making 28 mill salary vs 30. It is a shame a guy loses money on his salary while being knighted!
The ultimate question is whether Hamilton net's Mercedes more than 200 million for4 years as that is what he is asking. Or more accurately is he going to make them a lesser amount more than would another driver in his seat. That's a lot of coin.