Hamilton hoping to begin Mercedes contract talks ‘this week’ with aim of getting deal ‘tied up by Christmas’

It’s always felt like a matter of when and not if Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract with Mercedes, but with time ebbing away this year and then the Briton contracting Covid-19, we wondered when it might get done.

Speaking after his third-place finish in the season finale at Abu Dhabi, Hamilton – out of contract in a matter of weeks – said he hoped to have a deal in place before the turn of the year.

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“Hopefully over the next couple of weeks,” he answered when asked when contract talks would start with boss Toto Wolff, “we’d love to get it done before Christmas I think.

“I plan to be here next year, I want to be here next year. I think us as a team have more to do together, more to achieve both in the sport and even more outside the sport.

“So yeah, I hope we can begin this week discussions and hopefully get it tied up before Christmas.”

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Hamilton has been with Mercedes since 2013. During his time with the team he’s won six titles and 74 races, becoming the all-time record holder for victories.

He’s spent his entire career with Mercedes power under his right foot, having driven for Mercedes-powered McLaren before switching to the Silver Arrows.