One of several drivers out of contract at the end of the year, one would have presumed that agreeing a new deal with the team that has taken him to three titles would have been a formality.

However, after five rounds of the season the Briton has yet to sign on the dotted line.

Toto Wolff admits that a major stumbling block thus far has been the performance of the W09, which in the opening races appeared to lose out to Ferrari and, to a lesser extent, Red Bull.

However, following the emphatic 1-2 at Barcelona at the weekend, he is confident that a new deal will be forthcoming.

"Obviously we don't want to lose him and I don't think he wants to go anywhere else," said the Austrian. "Everything's going fine.

"I think it's just how you feel towards each other," he continued, "and there is no reason why we shouldn't be racing with each other for a few more years.

"We had other priorities in the last few weeks," he admits. "We weren't happy with our car's performance and we needed to sort things out.

"Finalising a contract is something that you need to involve yourself in and spend time on, and we both decided we'd park it for a minute where we were. But it's almost all sorted and we will pick it up at the right time. This is what we will do and we will let you know as soon as possible."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by mickl, 15/05/2018 22:41

"Where would he go in F1 if he doesn't sign again for Mercedes? Vettel would probably block any bid by Ferrari to get him and Red Bull seems to much prefer home grown talent than to buy it in. Maybe a return to Mclaren and team up with Alonso!

@ ESTM PRFT....it's the gold lame race suits for next season that's probably going to win him over."

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2. Posted by ESTM PRFT, 15/05/2018 17:22

"I agree with Insane Reindeer with regards to one race being a decision maker. Now for sarcasm - Perhaps new bling and the Biebs attendance at each race would do the trick (or a new music studio)."

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3. Posted by Insane Reindeer, 15/05/2018 13:02

"If, and it is a very big if, Mr. Hamilton was to sign a new contract based on the performance from one race, what are we to read into that?

Has there been an update to the car to the degree now that Mr. Hamilton is confident that he will be unbeatable on any track in any conditions? Has there been a personal shift in the team so that the issues with strategy have been resolved never to reappear? Has the amount they are offering Mr. Hamilton been raised to such a level that it excites even him now?

Or is this just a (desperate) bluff from Mercedes in the hope of deterring Ferrari or (insert any other form of motorised sport here) from luring him away? "

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Issues with car stalled contract talks with Hamilton

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