Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has provided an update on how talks are progressing with Lewis Hamilton regarding his contract extension.
Hamilton’s current deal with the seven-time World Champions expires at the end of the 2023 season.
However, the Briton has stated many times that he expects to sign a new deal that will see him remain at the Brackley-based squad for 2024 and beyond.
Hamilton has endured a difficult couple of years with Mercedes as the team has been unable to compete at the front of the field.
It marks a vastly different situation for the squad that won eight consecutive Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021, while Hamilton prevailed in the Drivers’ standings six times in seven seasons.
Despite its struggles, Wolff is confident that Hamilton will re-sign with the team.
“It’s been 11 years that we’ve been together,” Wolff said.
“Every single time when we talk about Lewis’ contract, it’s six months of ‘where are we and what is happening?’
“And we keep seeing the same thing; that we’re just rolling on, it’s not any difficult contract negotiations, it’s just putting a different timeline and a few different numbers in there.
“And that’s what we do. And we’re, we’re working on this. It’s a work in progress, bouncing emails back and forth. And eventually we’re going to sign it.”
Outside of Mercedes, there is no realistic destination for Hamilton in 2024 if he wishes to contend for an eighth title.
However, Ferrari has been urged by ex-F1 driver Johnny Herbert to pursue the 38-year-old and bring him on board for the 2024 campaign.
