Mercedes open up on Hamilton contract talks

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is confident that Lewis Hamilton will not see fit to depart Mercedes at the end of his contract in 2020.

Hamilton is closing in on his sixth world title, and fifth won with the Silver Arrows, with the Mexican GP offering a chance tow rap up the championship if he outscores team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 14 points.

While Mercedes have romped to a record-breaking sixth consecutive title double this year, recent signs have suggested that Ferrari may have finally cracked the full potential out of their car, hinting at a fraught battle for dominance next year, which will begin with Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen all entering the final year of their respective deals.

Although the potential for a crazy driver market next year seems high at this point, Wolff is confident that Mercedes can convince Hamilton to stay.

"As long as we are able to provide the winning car, Lewis has no reason to consider other teams — and we have no reason to look elsewhere," Wolff told The Sun.

"The relationship we've built is a very strong factor in keeping the team together and a real asset of the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

"What we have said to Lewis is that we would like to finish the season on a high, breathe a moment and then discuss what happens in 2021.

"Loyalty and integrity is something that binds us together and the most important discussions about 2021 will be with Lewis and Valtteri.

"Ferrari will also look at the options they have. They have a good line-up now that causes hiccups sometimes, so they will be thinking, 'What do we want for 2021?'

"We're having the same thoughts — what do we think is the perfect line-up for 2021?"

Wolff has previously conceded that he would understand if Hamilton wanted to sample life at Ferrari before bringing the curtain down on his F1 career, although the Briton has always professed his commitment to Mercedes, who first signed him to a development deal at the age of 13.

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