Lewis Hamilton keen to sort out new Mercedes deal before summer break – with the seven-time world champion admitting protracted saga around his current contract ‘ruined his winter’
- Sir Lewis Hamilton signed a one-year extension just weeks before 2021 season
- The 36-year-old admitted he didn’t want to repeat those long negotiations again
- And the Brit said he hoped to start talking soon to agree a new deal promptly
Sir Lewis Hamilton wants to thrash out a new Mercedes contract before the summer break in August.
The seven-time world champion, speaking after winning in Barcelona, is keen to avoid a repeat of the saga surrounding his current deal — a one-year extension he signed just a few weeks before the start of the season.
‘We never want to be in the position we were in January and February,’ said Sir Lewis, 36.
Sir Lewis Hamilton has declared he is keen to sort out a new deal with Mercedes relatively soon
‘It ruined my whole winter. And I am sure it wasn’t helpful for Toto (Wolff, team principal).
‘We couldn’t be off and relax, so it felt like we didn’t have much of a break. We have to be sensible and not rush anything, but to open conversations.
‘It is never a super-simple procedure. But I hope, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job, we can start talking soon.
Hamilton, 36, said he was keen to avoid another protracted saga over signing his next contract
‘It would be great to get something in place before the break so we have a clearer picture of the future.’
Relations between Hamilton and the team seemed a little strained over his long-delayed one-year deal, but it now seems likely they will extend their fruitful partnership.
Hamilton is currently top of the drivers’ championship and could better Michael Schumacher’s record of seven titles if he wins this campaign.
