Dennis: This contract extension is fully deserved
McLaren boss Ron Dennis firmly believes that Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension was well deserved. The reasons are simply based on the fact that his 2007 season was his first in F1 and the financial consequences that have been generated by this rapid rise are well worth a small extension of his contract! And a salary […]
McLaren boss Ron Dennis firmly believes that Lewis Hamilton’s contract extension was well deserved. The reasons are simply based on the fact that his 2007 season was his first in F1 and the financial consequences that have been generated by this rapid rise are well worth a small extension of his contract! And a salary increase, at the same time!
With the official announcement this Friday that Hamilton will race for McLaren until 2012, Dennis was full of praise for the efforts made by the young driver and his father, who is also his manager, Anthony Hamilton.
« Our first agreement with Lewis dates back to November 2006. He exceeded all expectations in his first F1 season, even for those of us who have known him for more than a decade, » said Dennis.
Considering Lewis’s performances during the 2007 season, it is clear that the increase in his salary is fully deserved. It was negotiated in a very friendly manner with Lewis’s manager, Anthony Hamilton.
« Today’s announcement solidifies a working relationship with Lewis spanning 15 years. A relationship that we believe is among the longest associations between an athlete and a team in the history of sports, especially motorsport. It’s a major success for everyone involved, including Anthony, » he continued.
« Lewis is an exceptional man, both personally and professionally, and will therefore continue to be a full member of this team. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes looks forward to the new season, with Heikki as Lewis’s new partner, I am sure we’ll have a great year. »
CEO Martin Whitmarsh stated that the team began negotiations with Hamilton when the new MP4-23 was ready for the new season.
« Lewis broke all the records in this year 2007, which was his rookie season, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is on the right track for 2008, thanks in part to Lewis, » he said.
« January 9th was a success because it was on this date that the team spoke with Lewis’s manager, Anthony. The negotiations went very well. »
« Since Heikki joined the team last December, it has become increasingly evident that McLaren will be on point in 2008. Our two drivers will work together to ensure the team becomes even more efficient. We are confident that the 2008 season will be another exciting year from a sporting perspective! » concluded Whitmarsh.
