Hamilton ‘not really in a rush’ over new F1 contract

Lewis Hamilton says he is “not really in a rush” to sign a new Formula 1 contract with Mercedes beyond the end of the season, adding that he wants to take Friday’s meeting concerning the sport’s future into consideration.

Four-time world champion Hamilton’s existing contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season, but both the driver and the team have said they are confident of extending their agreement into 2019 and beyond.

Despite initially hoping to get a new contract sorted before the new season, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said in Australia talks were progressing well, with the final touches due to be put to the agreement.

Hamilton offered an update ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, saying that he remains relaxed about how talks are progressing despite being in no rush over confirming a new deal.

“We’re still in discussions,” Hamilton said. “I’m very relaxed about it. There’s not really much to say. I’m not really in a rush.

"We’re just taking our time, talking about it as and when we want to it. It’s not a stressful thing for either of us.

“It’s quite an interesting time for Formula 1. Tomorrow, there’s some sort of announcement or discussions of what is happening in F1 moving forward. It’s always good to wait to hear some of those and see the future of F1.

“For sure that could or could not have on decisions you make in terms of length or whatever it is you end up doing in F1.”

At 33, Hamilton said his new contract is set to be the most crucial he has signed in F1 so far as he nears towards the end of his career.

“The next contract is probably the most important one of my career. The last contract was the most important up until that point and then next one will be even more important than the last one,” Hamilton said.

“Also the length, your decision to how long you want to commit to being in F1, is becoming more and more important moving forwards for me, being I’m at the latter end of my career.

“It’s one not to be rushed into. There is no rush and I will not be rushed into it.

“Ultimately, you want to have all of the information so you can make the most knowledgeable decision, I guess.”