Lewis Hamilton remains insistent that Mercedes’ poor run of form in the 2023 season will not affect his contract negotiations with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton has 121 points so far this season, with his teammate George Russell having accumulated 82.
Max Verstappen sits atop the Driver’s Standings with 255 points, meaning he is easily ahead of the Mercedes duo combined.
Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of the 2023 season and has been the subject of much speculation.
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It is understood that money is not a hold-up in the prolonged contract negotiations.
Mercedes and Hamilton are discussing the British racer’s future role with the team and other projects.
Hamilton seems to be committed to the team that he has won six of his seven world championships with.
He said: “Before the end of the season we will be already well into the [new] contract.
“I still have 100% faith in this team.
“It has taken longer for all of us to get to where we want to be, it is definitely not easy.
“But I believe we will get there. We’ve just got to continue to work and chip away at it – and that’s what we are trying to do.
“We will have bits [coming to the car] over the [upcoming] races, it could come soon enough, but I’m pushing as hard as I can.
“I was having big meetings with the team, speaking to the head of aerodynamics, head of vehicle dynamics with what is in mind for next year’s car.”
Hamilton will have turned 39 by the start of the 2024 season, and time is running out for him to claim a record-breaking eighth title.
This prospect looks all the more unlikely given Verstappen’s clear dominance of the F1 grid.
This is combined with Mercedes’ struggles to keep up with Red Bull in terms of their car design.
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However, Hamilton is adamant that this is not a factor when it comes to his contract negotiations.
The Mercedes driver has previously said that he expects to carry on being a competitive force on the track well into his 40s.
Speaking at Silverstone, Hamilton said: “I’m hoping to be (here) a lot longer. I feel like I’ve got another five years in me at least – let’s see.”