Hamilton Is Not Pursuing A New Contract With Mercedes, But This

Lewis Hamilton (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Lewis Hamilton said he is currently focused on winning his seventh world title and does not consider contract extension with Mercedes a priority.

The British rider said he wanted to stay with the German factory team but had not made a decision on this and also signed a new contract.

Meanwhile, Toto Wolff, the actor behind Mercedes's six consecutive constructor titles, will also expire his contract this year.

"I think, at some point, we should sit down and talk, but this is not a priority right now ... completing this task, for me this year, personally, is his priority. That's my only focus right now," Hamilton said ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, as quoted by Antara, Friday.

Hamilton is aware of the speculation circulating over his future but says it is only a matter of time for negotiations, stressing his commitment to Mercedes is unwavering.

"I've done it many times now. It's just the right time, we'll work it out. In the end, I'm always committed to this team and completely transparent."

There is no "I" in team. You've all heard this saying before but last weekend was truly an example of that. When a few members of our team got struck with Covid last weekend, these guys flew out to save the weekend. Thank you guys so much! #WeWinAndWeLoseTogether pic.twitter.com/bRRvUhf3io

- Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 16, 2020

Hamilton is not afraid of losing his bench and has not spoken to the other teams.

"We have achieved quite a lot together and it is amazing what we have done together so far and we are still not finished," he said.

"I haven't made any decisions yet, but I want to stay. Usually when we sit together, it's a period of three years, but of course we are at different times.

"Whether I want to continue for three years is also a question. There are so many questions to be answered.

"If you look at the short term, you can say you're going to companies that are out (out of business) during this time. Mercedes, I think, is on the rise again.

"I think they are in a better place right now. Everyone took a big hit this year, but if you look at the future, I think the future will be bright."