'Mercedes and Ferrari demand clarity from Hamilton and Vettel'

Motorsport.it understands that both teams have submitted a contract to the drivers and that they would like to know how they are doing before the end of this month. Mercedes is of course happy to continue with the now six-time world champion, but the question is how much extra money can the team offer?

Hamilton in a luxury position

With six world titles in his pocket, the Brit has a nice negotiating position and the contract renewals of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen and the departure of Esteban Ocon to Renault doesn't make the situation any easier for Mercedes. They actually have to extend the contract, because George Russell hasn't really been tested to make the switch yet.

At Ferrari it looks a bit different. Leclerc has already signed a new multi-year contract and that puts Vettel in a difficult position for the first time. He will no longer sign as the leader of Ferrari and reportedly has to surrender part of his salary and settle for an equal role to his teammate.

Does Vettel want to sign up?

Vettel didn't come to Ferrari for this. He would do what his idol Michael Schumacher once did: become world champion with Ferrari, but that hasn't happened yet and with the clearly expressed support for the young talent Leclerc, the odds seem to be melting for Vettel. There are also plenty of potentially good replacements ready for Ferrari.

For example, Daniel Ricciardo does not hide to ever drive for Ferrari and he will even sign for an equal role and less salary at Ferrari, so he will no longer have to stay with Renault. Carlos Sainz is also mentioned as a possible successor, but he seems to be in place at McLaren and can play an important role there in the return to the top.