Lewis Hamilton: Red Bull chief taunts Mercedes over expensive contract discussion
RED BULL boss Christian Horner has warned Mercedes they will have to cough up big money in order to keep Lewis Hamilton.
The 2019 grid could be very different with several drivers out of contract at the end of this year.
Hamilton’s deal with Mercedes is up for renewal after this season but it is virtually a matter of when, not if, terms are agreed.
The British driver has admitted he wants to remain with the team which has helped him win three world championships to add to the one he picked up while at McLaren.
And he could well make it five this season as he currently sits 17 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ standings heading into the Monaco Grand Prix.
But, while the race in Monaco takes centre stage this weekend, the discussion continues in the paddock about what Hamilton will decide to do.
Horner has also waded into the debate, suggesting the 33-year-old will eventually agree terms, but he has warned Mercedes they will have to pay a large amount for Hamilton’s services.
“I’ll be amazed if Lewis ended up anywhere else,” Horner said on Sky Sports.
“He is an integral part of their team.
“They both seem happy with each other, they’ve just got to come to a conclusion on a deal.
“He’s a four-time world champion. He’s a world superstar and that’s not going to be cheap.”