Hamilton in no rush to secure Mercedes future

Lewis Hamilton has said the decision on whether to extend his Formula 1 career or go into retirement will "come to me" as the season progresses.

Hamilton stands on the brink of F1 history this season as he could become the first to win eight drivers' titles, while he is five wins and two pole positions shy of becoming the first to claim a century in both categories.

Hamilton has already stated he will not make a decision on his future based on success alone but, whilst team principal Toto Wolff is keen for talks over a further extension to start earlier than they did with the current arrangement, Hamilton is seemingly in no rush.

"That will be a constant discussion through the year, I am sure," said Hamilton. "In terms of whether this is where I want to continue, if this is the road I want to continue down, it will come to me."

After a winter of speculation, Hamilton finally signed a new one-year deal with Mercedes in February, albeit prompting questions as to his long-term future with the team.

Asked how he would prevent questions over his future from becoming a distraction throughout the year, Hamilton commented: "Time will tell I guess.

"It is not my first rodeo, I have been in this position where at least I have been asked the question for a period of time. I don't really feel pressure in that sense.

"Naturally, I have continued to have a huge belief and always bet on myself, in terms of I know what it takes to deliver.

"I think I have an extraordinary relationship with Mercedes that is incredibly deep and I think there is more than just this racing that we will end up doing together, as we are already doing with this [charitable diversity] foundation."

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