Wolff finds negotiating with Hamilton "super uncomfortable" and uses intermediary

At the end of the current season, Lewis Hamilton's contract will expire, so Toto Wolff will have to sit down with the seven-time world champion again to discuss an extension. The Austrian doesn't particularly enjoy this since he prefers not to discuss financial matters with a friend, which is what he considers Hamilton to be. The two never directly talk to each other about salary and bonuses. Instead, they always go through an intermediary, the team boss revealed.

In an interview with ESPN, Wolff discusses the process of negotiating a new contract with Hamilton. "It's super uncomfortable. Every three years, we know we have to do this. And it's like negotiating financial terms with your best friend, with a good friend. How do you approach that? Normally, that's not something you have to do," he says, emphasizing that it's no ordinary situation both Mercedes men have to deal with.

As a friend of Hamilton's, the Austrian wants the best for him, but thinking from a team perspective, the top executive sometimes has to be tough when it comes to the numbers and consider what is best for the team. Despite wishing Hamilton the very best. "I want the best for him, but in that role, I need what is best for the team. That may be the only time in our ten or eleven years together that our objectives are not aligned."

Negotiating through an intermediary

To prevent friction between the two men on a personal level, Wolff always negotiates through an intermediary, Penni Thow. She is Hamilton's manager and ensures that both parties remain calm. "Ultimately, it's difficult to talk about money with your friend. Penni helps. Penni has kept us in check, and we have found a good modus operandi with her in terms of communication. We avoid discussing money with each other, but both of us talk to Penni," he explains.