The 2023 Formula 1 season is already at the halfway point, which means that the annual driver market merry-go-round, aka “silly season,” is now on.
And for this particular topic, much of the talk is focused on Lewis Hamilton since his current contract at Mercedes runs out at the end of this season.
The seven-time world champion is doing well this year, although not by his lofty standards. And because he’s not getting any younger, he’ll have a lot to think about, particularly during this summer hiatus.
Elsewhere, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner touched upon murmurs regarding Sergio Perez’s status within the team, while Alpine made changes in the front office.
Learn more about the latest Formula 1 2023 updates by continuing to read below.
Wolff determined to keep Hamilton for longer
If Toto Wolff has his way, of course he would want to keep Hamilton for longer, saying that he wants him to race for them for “many years” to come.
The Mercedes boss quashed retirement rumours, as he reassured Silver Arrows fans that the delay in the new contract is more about ironing out the full and final details.
Following the disappointing end to the 2021 season, where he lost to Max Verstappen, Hamilton went dark for weeks, which fueled speculation that he might retire. In the end, though, he and Mercedes agreed to a new deal in February, right before pre-season testing.
Another talking point is Hamilton’s desire for a 10-year ambassador role for the Mercedes brand worth around $25 million annually on top of his racing contract. Wolff said that they will not grant such a request in the near future.
But the bigger picture here is whether it makes sense for these two parties to continue their partnership, as Hamilton hasn’t won a single race since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
He has shown flashes this season, almost winning a couple while delivering alongside teammate George Russell, but his highest finish so far this year is P3, with the latest being the British Grand Prix.
Hamilton and his representatives have always been coy in these situations, which is normal during negotiation talks. By the looks of it, they are just doing their due diligence to get the best deal given his ilk, and it feels like both sides will reach an agreement sooner rather than later.
Horner opens up about Perez
Christian Horner recently said that Red Bull have received a ton of interest for its 2025 seat, particularly Sergio Perez’s spot.
Checo struggled to find his form after the Miami Grand Prix, finishing as low as P16 in Monaco, which fueled speculation that he might be replaced. Daniel Ricciardo was once tipped to replace Perez, but he moved to AlphaTauri, and Perez regained some momentum prior to the summer break.
Even with his ebbs and flows this season, Perez remains the closest title challenger to Max Verstappen. And despite the 125-point gap between them, Horner praised Perez’s efforts, saying that the Mexican has been great for the team since his arrival in 2021.
“The toughest job in Formula 1 is to be Max Verstappen’s teammate, “said Horner. “And I think Checo’s actually done very well the last two-and-a-half years to achieve and do what he’s done.”
“Checo is hugely popular in the team. Let’s not forget what he did in 2021, his contribution to our constructors’ championship last year. So nobody is writing off Checo,” he added.
Perez’s current contract expires at the end of the 2024 season, so Red Bull are going to explore their options. But given their unpredictability, we’re not sure if they would wait until then to maybe part ways with the Mexican.
Alpine undergoing major upheaval
Alpine cut ties with team principal Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane during the Belgian Grand Prix.
Szafnauer and Permane joined the team ahead of the 2022 season and guided them to finish fourth in the constructors’ standings, raising expectations this season. But things haven’t gone according to plan with their poor outings so far.
The Faenza-based side is dead last in the constructors’ standings, and the SBOTOP Formula 1 2023 odds don’t have a promising outlook for them for the rest of this year.
Former Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has been strongly tipped to take over as AlphaTauri principal given his Italian ties and vast Formula 1 experience, although it remains to be seen whether his Ferrari exit deal would allow him to join them before the end of the 2023 season.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FORMULA 1 STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
