Mercedes making 'baby-step' progress on new Hamilton deal - Wolff

Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has revealed to taking "baby steps" with regard to contract negotiations with Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton is now just five weeks away from heading into 2021 without a new deal in place with Mercedes.

The coronavirus pandemic initially delayed talks, then the hectic nature of the current calendar, before finally there was a need for both team and driver to wrap up the latest title victories.

With Hamilton recently becoming a record-equalling seven-time champion, tentative discussions have now started.

"On the contract, we are talking, which is good," confirmed Wolff. "Just little initial baby steps, and you probably know we need to do this until the end of the year."

On track, Hamilton showed no mercy to his rivals as he underlined his intent to finish the season on a high by claiming the 98th pole position of his F1 career, and 10th this season from 15 races ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

It left even Wolff describing Hamilton as "unbelievable", adding: "He won the championship and he's still motivated, and showing these kinds of performances."

Hamilton finished three-tenths of a second clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes secured its 11th front-row lock-out this season and 75th in its history.

Asked whether there was anything he could do to stop Hamilton, Bottas replied: "Of course there is. I try my best.

"Even though he has got the title this year, knowing him from the previous years, how he is as a racing driver and how most racing drivers are geared to win, you always try everything you can.

"I'm here to win as well. I'm second on the grid and there are all the opportunities but you need a perfect race. For sure we will push hard, try, and not give up."

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