Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he has “another five years in me”, ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Whilst Hamilton believes he could continue to compete in Formula 1 for another half a decade, the Briton is still yet to sign a new contract with Mercedes.
His future has been one of the biggest talking points of the season, with their being no indication on when he will sign a new contract.
However, it does appear that an announcement is edging ever closer, as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that the pair are no longer discussing money or how long the contract will be for.
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Hamilton confirmed to the media on Thursday at Silverstone that Wolff’s comments were correct, hinting that a deal is almost done.
“Yep, that’s correct,” Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.com.
The 38-year-old also revealed during media day at his home venue that he feels like he could continue for several years, something which he may have discussed with Wolff during his contract negotiations.
“I’m hoping to be here a lot longer,” Hamilton told Sky Sports’ The F1 Show on Thursday.
“I feel like I’ve got another five years in me at least, no? Let’s see.”
It wasn’t just his future which Hamilton discussed on Thursday, as he also addressed a radio message he received from Wolff last Sunday at the Red Bull Ring, on his way to finishing eighth.
Wolff told Hamilton during the race last weekend to stop complaining and instead focus on his own race, something which very rarely happens.
The message from Wolff certainly surprised a lot of people; however, Hamilton has played it down.
Hamilton insisted that his and Wolff’s ability to be “direct with each other” is actually the “best thing” about their relationship, and that the Austrian’s comment last weekend “was supportive”.
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“The best thing about our partnership is that we can be direct with each other and Toto is just an out-and-out racer, so he was just trying to encourage me,” said Hamilton.
“That was his way of doing it. We always learn from our experiences.
“On my side, I’ve reviewed my comments and where I was at mentally and will make sure I adjust that for the future, and yeah, it was supportive.”