Lewis Hamilton parts ways with his manager, Didier Coton

Lewis Hamilton has decided not to extend the one-year contract that tied him to Didier Coton, the former manager of Mika Hakkinen. His affairs will now be handled by Tom Shine.

This is the third manager for the new Mercedes driver in as many seasons: in 2011, he decided to entrust his future to Simon Fuller and the XIX Entertainment agency. After a complicated season, he asked Didier Coton to come alongside him, still within XIX Entertainment.

The same principle will be applied with the appointment of Tom Shine, who was recruited in January by the agency specializing in career management in the world of sports and show business. He is not a stranger in this sector, having been the vice-president of Adidas Reebok for eleven years.

This expert in sports marketing was therefore very clear when he was recruited by XIX Entertainment: « We have an enormous amount of talent in entertainment and sports. The idea is to turn them into brands and bring those who are skilled in entertainment marketing towards sports, while associating these disciplines. » This principle therefore aligns with the vision of the 2008 world champion, as it is one of the main reasons that led him to change teams. He intends to reclaim ownership of his image and the rights associated with it, which was not possible at McLaren.

A source close to Lewis Hamilton explained this new change in his entourage: « Tom has a lot of experience, but Simon Fuller is still the main player. It was Lewis’s decision. He has made all his decisions, and Didier had a one-year contract. » However, the Belgian does not lose everything as he remains the agent of Charles Pic and Valtteri Bottas.

Tom Shine remains, for his part, based in Indianapolis. The driver can therefore land his new private jet worth 24 million euros on the way to Los Angeles, where he will join his beloved, the singer Nicole Scherzinger.

With the participation of www.Racingbusiness.fr