Lewis Hamilton is out of contract: him, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar are the toughest sports contract negotiations in the world

Motorsport fans are holding their breath given the tough situation that Formula 1 World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton is going through. The 36-year-old British driver has ended his contract with Mercedes-AMG team and hasn’t renewed since then. His future in the pinnacle of motor racing remains unknown. In a similar situation are Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

In the middle of an imminent retirement from the sport, as per rumors, Hamilton has spent his birthday last week having holidays in the Caribbean. He seems to have no hurry to renew his link to the German factory. It’s suspected he’s asked for a four-year extension for $50 million a year, plus an AMG-One hypercar and the team earnings’ 10 percent. Some other world class sportsmen are going through moments like those.

Lionel Messi’s contract expires by the end of June, and his future in FC Barcelona remains a mistery. He’s allegedly been targeted by Mauricio Pochettino to join Paris Saint-Germain for next season. He was about to leave to Manchester City some months ago. This could be his last season for the Blaugrana after almost 18 years in top flght.

With an estimated salary of over $30 million, Cristiano Ronaldo will end his current contract with Juventus by the end of June 2022. The Italian side has only one year to agree an extension before he can leave on a free transfer, on his way to turn 36 years-old. The Portuguese could sign the last contract of his career.

Neymar, from the night to the sunrise in Paris

Last, but not least, Neymar has had lots of conflict with Paris Saint-Germain to remain peacefully in the French side. The Brazilian was about to be released by club’s sporting director Leonardo, who threatened to sell him. However, the relationship improved and that could prove positive to extend his 36 million pounds per year contract, set to end by the end of June 2022.