Former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan has urged Mercedes to ‘show Lewis Hamilton the door’ after an apparent disagreement over his salary. Hamilton is thought to be keen on retaining his £40million-a-year wages, but Mercedes are looking to cut costs.
Talks have been rumbling on behind the scenes for many weeks and Jordan claims to have connections close to both parties.
“I have excellent sources that I can rely on one hundred percent and I have common sense,” he told F1 Insider.
“I’m still extremely well networked in the scene, and I talk to Bernie Ecclestone on the phone regularly.”
Jordan reckons Hamilton has made a list of demands which is holding up his contract extension.
The former F1 chief has advised Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff to issue his seven-time world champion with a brutal ultimatum.
“Apparently the parties disagree on the terms,” Jordan explained. “I just heard that Lewis wants more than Mercedes is willing to pay.
“It’s also about sharing the team’s income and having an influential role in the Mercedes group.
“If I were the boss of Daimler, I would show him the door: Either you drive on our terms or you go.”
If Mercedes are to get rid of their No 1 star then it would come as a major shock and a huge gamble.
Williams ace George Russell would likely be signed as Hamilton’s replacement after he impressed at the Sakhir Grand Prix.
“Whether this is staying with us for a long time, or whether that means leaving the sport and pursuing different interests.
“I think we need to be ready for all kinds of curveballs being thrown at us.
“But at the same time, we talk a lot, and we are very transparent with each other. I think there is more to achieve together.”