The double world champion has previously expressed an interest into extending
his charitable work after he retires from F1, but this latest move shows
music is at the front of his mind.
Of a more pressing concern is not only the small matter of a rigorous
pre-season testing schedule, but resolving his contract situation. His
current three-year deal with Mercedes, worth around £20 million a year,
expires at the end of the season.
Hamilton and Mercedes
have repeatedly expressed their desire to sign a new contract, but any
delays will put rival teams, particularly McLaren and Ferrari, on alert.
Both agreed last year during the heat of his title duel with team-mate Nico
Rosberg to postpone any negotiations until the end of the season. In the
midst of clinching the world championship, winning the BBC Sports
Personality of the Year award, and the winter break, both sides have not yet
begun talks.
Niki Lauda, the Mercedes F1 chairman, has insisted a new deal will happen, but
Toto Wolff, the team boss, raised eyebrows last month when he publicly
declared that Fernando Alonso will be their first choice if Hamilton does
not sign.
Hamilton will now enter this negotiation without a conventional manager,
having ended his relationship with Fuller, the music mogul behind the Spice
Girls. He will also be without his highly-respected performance engineer,
Jock Clear, this season, who is headed for Ferrari.
Speaking of his contract situation this week, Hamilton said: “We said last
year we’re not in a rush. We’re relaxed. The team have acknowledged they
want to continue with me and vice versa, so there is no stress.
“I’m comfortable and confident and trust that they’re not speaking to anyone
else and they know that’s the case with me.”