Mercedes chief Toto Wolff believes securing Lewis Hamilton’s services beyond 2018 is a formality, insisting a new agreement is “just a matter of time”.
Hamilton has spent his entire racing career affiliated with Mercedes, and joined the team from McLaren in 2013, before signing a new three-year contract extension mid-2015.
Hamilton has claimed three titles, in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and 41 Grand Prix victories since switching to Mercedes, but is entering the final year of his contract.
Wolff, though, expects to wrap up a new deal with Hamilton, believing ongoing discussions are developing in a positive manner.
“Lewis has become such an important pillar within the team,” Wolff commented.
“It is a no-brainer that we continue with each other. The discussions are ongoing and with a very positive mind-set.
“It is just a matter of time, when we seal it and put the signature to the document.”
Alongside Hamilton and team-mate Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes also has a handful of junior drivers under contract.
Esteban Ocon is entering his second full season in Formula 1 with Force India, while GP3 champion George Russell will step up to Formula 2, with Formula 1 test/practice outings also mooted.
Pascal Wehrlein, meanwhile, is poised to retain a Mercedes role, despite missing out on a 2018 seat after Sauber opted to sign Charles Leclerc to partner Marcus Ericsson.
Wolff added that Mercedes has “a completely open mind-set” regarding its programme as it ensures it has a plan in place for when Hamilton retires.
“We are trying to keep our eyes open to identify the next Lewis Hamilton for in five, six or seven years, when Lewis eventually decides he has had enough of Formula 1,” Wolff said.
“We are approaching this with a completely open mind-set. We are even looking at karting. We are supporting a young Italian boy who is barely 12 years old. We enjoy doing that.
“It is just about identifying the talent, no matter where they are at the moment.”
