Venturiation wrote: ↑03 Feb 2024, 02:59
They didn't want him after 2025, they offered him a 1+1 deal instead of 2+1
Historically, Lewis prefers short contracts -- he knows his value and abilities so he doesn't need long contracts out of personal fear -- and so him going for a 1+1 seemed more like his choice more than MER preference. No one can deny he was getting frustrated by MER mistakes over these 2 years under the technical "leadership" of Mike Elliott (and some board negotiation decisions), and so he was giving himself an intelligent out. No way he would have signed a 2+1, even if MER wanted it. Lewis isn't stupid.
FER has given Lewis the key to the kingdom and a blank cheque -- he is back to being the highest paid driver in F1 and possibly the highest in the world again -- but you can bet good money Lewis has also signed a 1+1 contract with them too.