Mercedes has slammed “wild speculations” about the details of Lewis Hamilton’s next Formula 1 contract. Rumours suggest Ineos boss Jim Ratcliffe, a one third team co-owner, would pick up most of the huge bill. “Jim’s part boss but partner – I’d say we’re more partners because we’re in this together and I hope in future to do something with Jim and build with him,” Hamilton, 37, said recently. But as the rumours spread like wildfire, a Mercedes spokesman moved to play it all down. The spokesman explained that negotiations between Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff are yet to even begin.

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