As his role as an activist appears to generate as many headlines as that of his role as a Formula One world champion, Lewis Hamilton admits that the delay in agreeing a new contract with Mercedes is because he is looking beyond pedalling a car around race tracks for the foreseeable future.

Two weeks ago the Briton said there was "no guarantee" he would be on the grid next season, and at a time there is doubt about the future of team boss, Toto Wolff also, there has been much speculation over the six - soon to be seven - time world champion's plans and the reason for the delay in agreeing a new deal... or not.

"I believe I have the best contract that there is, in terms of how it's structured and in terms of time management," he told reporters in Istanbul.

"With the team that's put around me, I think it's been great," he continued. "But I'm always looking to see how we can improve. How can I be more efficient and do more for the partners? How can I position myself to do more for the team?

"Naturally, I think it's easy just to go and sign the deal and continue not having to think of what's afterwards. However, I'm very conscious of the idea that I do want to continue with Mercedes, I would love to help them on this quest in pushing for change.

"They are taking their cars green, and electrifying more, and I want to help them on that road," he admitted. "I would like to help them in terms of pushing for diversity, because that's also within the organization, as with every organization out there. There is not enough of it. So there's a lot to discuss, and a lot to go through."

Asked about the ambiguity of his comment in Imola, and the suggestion that he might yet quit the sport, he said: "I think it's something we'll do, if not after the job is done, then particularly at the end of the year.

"But nothing is set in stone," he added, further muddying the waters. "I think it's just about talking about it. And at the moment, I don't feel like I'm finished.

"There's always areas to improve,” he insisted. "I love racing. I love the challenge. And I don't think that's going to change anytime soon."

Check out our Thursday gallery from Istanbul, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Kkiirmki, 14/11/2020 8:09

"Calling somebody a racist because they don't agree with your comment is totally unacceptable. This response to a totally innocent, and perfectly reasonable opinion, is not warranted in any form of social media. I like to think that the one positive rating (until I countered this with a negative one) was not due to anyone agreeing to this diatribe, but the poster of the comment themselves."

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2. Posted by DRAGON F1, 14/11/2020 2:20

"@Shoki

LEWIS HAMILTON knows how much F1 fans love entertainment, even for gimmicks such as reverse grids and nonsense like that, so he just wanted to spice up his contract negotiations for the media and fans!! Nothing More than that!!!
Lewis is simply saying the truth that Nothing in life is absolutely set in stone, and he could suddenly retire, or Mercedes might even sign another driver to replace him, shocking the whole paddock and World!!?

Personally, I would like to believe that both Lewis and Mercedes have already signed the new contract by now or very very close to it, and I really do hope that Lewis's new contract is for another 3 years until the end of 2023, and he can set even more F1 World Records!!!

I DON'T believe Lewis Hamilton, as a soon to be 7 Time F1 World Champion is in any way full of himself at all!!!
However, @Shoki, as a Total Nobody, is Absolutely Full of Himself imo, and he/she should really Look in The Mirror, because he/she is probably a Hamilton-Hater at best or a Racist at worse imho!!? It's really not good to be unkind to people, and Karma will eventually get you back!!!
Always remember, if you have nothing good to say, it's better just to keep quiet!!! "

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3. Posted by Apexing, 13/11/2020 2:15

"I'm wondering if he's angling for Toto's job..."

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4. Posted by Shoki, 12/11/2020 18:25

"Mr. Hamilton should remember the old adage, "No one is indispensable." He has become a bit full of himself and seems to believe his own hype. Maybe he'll become an actor. He would fit right in."

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Hamilton gives insight into contract delay

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