The ♈seven-time world champion ended months of speculation about his F1 future by agreeing a new two-year contract extension with Mercedes in a deal that was announced at the end of August. 

Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Wolff had reiterated on several occaꦡsions that a new contract would be signed, with both inferring that only small details needed to be finalised as nego🌳tiations appeared to drag on.

Speaking to Swiss outlet , Hamilton o💫pened up about the nature of his back-and-forth ‘haggling’ with Wolff. 

“This is🎶n't the first time the two of us have disc꧒ussed and haggled over details for hours,” he said. 

“Always underౠ the motto: From Thursday to Sunday I belong excꦦlusively to Formula 1.”

Hamilton continued: “There are so manඣy details about my promotꦰional activities. 

“I'm in a fortunate position with Toto. He is respected and admired by every⛄one. It's👍 easy to negotiate with him. And that makes him a great leader.”

Asked if he still reads his contracts, Hamilton said: “Of course I want to know exactly what's in there. But now it's over🗹 200 pages or a damn book. And that takes you days!”

The 38-y𝐆ear-old’s new deal will extend his period with Mercedes to 13 years and keep him in F1 wel🍸l past his 40th birthday. 

Hamilton says he “underestimated” his passion for F1 when he previously suggested he would not continue racing beyond 40, thꦜough he admitted it has bec൲ome a “love-hate story”. 

“I have to adm🍃it that I underestimated my love for this sport,” he said. 𓃲“But it's become a love-hate story. There are days when I would prefer not to get into the cockpit.

Hamilton added𒁏: “The duels with my teammate George also give me motivation. You always have to be wide-awake.”