The seven-time world champion’s current deal expires at the end of the year but initial talks have already started with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff over what is expected to♔ be a straightforward extension. 

Speculation over Hamilton’s future remains rife and has led to former F1 drivers 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Damon Hill and Jenson Button suggesting the 38-year-old is stalling on a new contract until he 16❀8澳洲5最新开奖结果:sees how competitive Mercedes will be this season. 

Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from the🏅 worst year of his F1 career, having failed to claim a race victory in a season for the first time amid a torrid 2022 f𒉰or Mercedes. 

Speaking ahea💛d of this weekend’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton stressed he is simply in no rush to 🐼put pen to paper over a new deal. 

“People creating rumours without fꦺacts is never helpful,” he said. “You’d have thought they’d both know ꦛme by now.

“I’ve been with Mercedes since I was 13. I had a difficult year l🌞ast year and I’m still here. Should I have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here. I’mღ a fighter and we fight as a team. I love the challenge.

"Of course I wish to be starting the season with a great car but it's the journey I think that really counts💃.

"There is no♉ hold up with our contract, I've always been very, very relaxed and don't fe🧸el like I need to get it done right this second. 

"I have a great relationship with Toto and Mercedes and we fully support each other.❀ I'm really excited about the future together and tꦯhe work we're doing on and off the track.”

Mercedes have remained pessimistic about their chances in F1 2023 ever si🐽nce launching their modified W14 challenger.