A big talking point since the beginning of the year has been whether or not Lewis Hamilton will be signing a new contract with long time employers Mercedes. Although he was dismissive about any timeframe in February when the new W09 was launched at Silverstone, signs of progress had been expected in Melbourne.
During his Thursday afternoon media session in Bahrain, the four-time world champion was again questioned as to the progress on signing his new contract.
"We're still in discussion," Hamilton answered. "I'm very relaxed about it. There's not really much to say. I'm not really in a rush. We're just taking our time, talking about it as and when we want to it. It's not a stressful thing for either of us.”
Pressed further and asked if Liberty’s plans for Formula 1, due to be announced tomorrow (Friday) in Bahrain would have any bearing on his decision, he was guarded.
"It's quite an interesting time for Formula 1. Tomorrow, there's some sort of announcement or discussions of what is happening in F1 moving forward. It's always good to wait to hear some of those and see the future of F1. See if that could… for sure that could or could not have [an influence] on decisions you make in terms of length or whatever it is you end up doing in F1.
"The next contract is probably the most important one of my career. The last contract was the most important up until that point and then the next one will be even more important than the last one. Also the length, your decision to how long you want to commit to being in F1 is becoming more and more important moving forwards for me being I'm at the latter end of my career.
“It's one not to be rushed into. There is no rush and I will not be rushed into it. Ultimately, you want to have all of the information so you can make the most knowledgeable decision, I guess."
Given this response, Hamilton was then asked if there was a possibility that he may decide to quit F1 based on the new plans that Liberty are due to unveil.
"No, I wasn't hinting at anything. I hear there is some sort of announcement to be made. It'll be interesting to see what is happening with F1 as I am an integral part of it so it'll be great to know how it will all sit for us. Maybe it'll affect you guys. I don't know. So I'm sure you guys are interested to see. Maybe it affects the media business. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe it affects the driver market, maybe it doesn't. That's why I'm interested to know.
"It's actually come at a pretty good time because I still haven't put pen to paper so I think it's good for the team and good for us. I think it's important we do take our time because you should never rush anything. The team is not saying they are talking to other drivers. I've never ever, since I've been with the team, gone and spoken to another team."
