The F1 season is round the corner and the constructors are out with their cars for winter testing, before the drivers can unleash these bad boys on the circuit in April.
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Hamilton was present at the launch of the new ‘W09 Mercedes’ and spoke about the upcoming season, the rivalry with Vettel and about his contract extension as well.
Also Read: Lewis Hamilton on his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel
Siver Arrows’ chief, Toto Wolff is confident of Hamilton signing a new and improved deal with Mercedes, but does not want to attach a date to the contract signing, as that would be inviting unwanted pressure.
“We’ve had very good discussions, ticking the dots and are expecting to come up with some news soon,” said Wolff at the launch of the W09 Mercedes.
The deal is reported to be for 3 years and will make Hamilton richer by around £120m.
The sooner the better. The minute you put the date out, you are going to be remembered about the date and it doesn’t make any sense to put ourselves under pressure.
“It is important to cover every angle of the corporation. Lewis has been with the team for six years, we are talking about extending that to a very long time.
“A couple of weeks would be a realistic target. Maybe a few weeks.” Wolff added.
Hamilton is committed to the cause and wants to get the contract extension ‘formalities’ done before the Australian Grand Prix on March 25.
“[Toto and I] spoke very often and we were constantly saying how committed we are to each other. I know that there is no one better so he’s not going to be looking anywhere else, he knows that, and I know there is nobody better so I’m not looking anywhere else,” Hamilton said.
“We are comfortable and we are committed to each other. It’s just about sorting out the details always.
“Hopefully we will have something done by the first race but we are in no rush. There is no reason to rush anything, no panic, I’m not feeling under any pressure of any other drivers in there and Toto and Mercedes have no reason to feel that I’m talking to anybody else.
“In the whole six years that I’ve been here, I haven’t spoken to another team once and I think that shows my commitment.” he added.
Hamilton is looking forward to the next season and wants to do this until he has the ‘fire in his belly’.
“I’m very excited about extending with the team. I’ll continue to stay while I have that fire in my belly. I love this job.” he concluded.
