Hamilton hopes to have Merc deal ‘sorted’ soon

Lewis Hamilton may still be celebrating his sixth title, however, he acknowledges that a stressful period lies ahead as he negotiates a new deal with Mercedes.

Hamilton, despite turning 35 next January, is determined to remain in Formula 1 for several more seasons.

While he has a contract in place for next year with Mercedes, his future beyond that remains uncertain.

The Brit, though, knows one thing for certain: he wants to stay in F1.

“I’ve obviously considered the next couple of years,” Hamilton toldRacer.

“I know I want to continue racing, that I love what I’m doing. I see no reason for me to stop anytime soon.

“But in terms of the future, I’ve not planned absolutely everything. I’m continuing to work on that.

“I’m sure it’s the same for all of you, your ideas shift each year, opinions slightly shift each year, but it’s crazy when you’re in a contract.

“It’s almost like I just did this contract, and I’ve already got to start talking about the next one, which is frustrating, because it’s another stressful moment where you get into the room, get into the ring and have a friendly yet intense conversation about terms and all this kind of thing.

“But I’m used to it now. I like to think I’m a relatively good negotiator.”

Asked why he believes it will be “intense”given that he’s a six-time champion, five of those having been won as a Mercedes driver, he explained: “I think it’s confrontation, isn’t it?

“You’re always wanting to try and figure out…. you’re both wanting to see what more you can get out of it, how you can do things better. There are things that you have to change.

“It won’t be really stressful to be honest, but it’s daunting when you think of it coming up, because also you’re committing to a period of time in your life.

“Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that far ahead. But of course it’s nice to be wanted. Hopefully soon we’ll get it sorted.”

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