With the 'F1 silly season' well underway, I summarise the latest Formula 1 driver updates and rumours.
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Lewis Hamilton Contract Extension
According to Corriere, Lewis Hamilton has reportedly signed a contract to stay at Mercedes. For months it has been reportedly 'verbally agreed' but it is now 'signed' according to Corriere.
An announcement could be expected prior to the Dutch Grand Prix which is the next race after the summer break. Although no contract length has been reported, a 1 year with the option to extend a further year was the last rumoured length. Lewis Hamilton has been at Mercedes since 2013 and has won 6 championships so far at the team.
Mick Schumacher to Williams
According to F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto, Mick Schumacher is an "obvious contender" to replace Mick Schumacher at Williams for 2024 if Williams wishes to replace Logan Sargeant who is currently competing in his first year in Formula 1 and has a highest place finish of 11th.
Mick is currently Mercedes' reserve driver after being replaced at Haas for the 2023 season by Nico Hulkenberg. Although, Williams has said multiple times they want to give Sargeant time to improve and develop before considering alternatives as they know he has pace.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz to Stay at Ferrari
Lawrence Barretto also reports that he believes Ferrari wants to keep both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc beyond their current contracts with both of them expiring at the end of next year.
"Sources say Ferrari have already opened talks with Leclerc and are keen to lock him down with a new multi-year contract. The Italian team are also believed to be keen to retain Sainz, though it is likely they will sort Leclerc's contract first before getting the Spaniard's deal finalised" Barretto revealed.
There have been rumours that Carlos Sainz has signed a pre-contract agreement with Audi although the 'Sainz camp' have denied these rumours revealing, "Plan A is Ferrari. Plan B is Ferrari, and plan C is also Ferrari."
Alex Palou to Formula 1?
Indy Car championship leader has been rumoured to both Williams and Alpha Tauri for 2024 according to The Race. Palou has caused some Indy Car drama over the past few days after he allegedly agreed to race for McLaren in Indy Car in 2024 and then announced he wouldn't.
Furthermore, according to APnews, Palou may have been convinced by Honda to stay in Indy Car until 2026 before moving with Honda to Aston Martin. Honda currently supplies engines to his current Indy Car team Chip Ganassi Racing.
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