Hamilton hopes to finalize his new Mercedes contract by Christmas

At the end of a historic year which saw it exceed Michael Schumacher in the number of victories, and equal the German in terms of titles, Lewis Hamilton still does not have a contract for the 2021 season. 

For months, the seven-time world champion and Toto wolff, main team Mercedes, proclaim their desire to continue the adventure together beyond the 2020 campaign. 

Despite the good will displayed on both sides, the negotiations dragged on due to a busy sporting program (17 races in 23 weeks) and an unprecedented health and social context. 

The discussions were also logically put on hold in recent weeks, while Hamilton recovered from the Coronavirus. Having returned to competition for the final in Abu Dhabi, the Briton now hopes to finalize his future. in the next 2 weeks ». 

« We would like to agree before Christmas, Hamilton said after his 3rd place at Yas Marina on Sunday evening. I plan to be here next year. I want to be here in 2021. I feel like the team and I still have things to accomplish together, both in and out of sport ». 

Wolff assured Sunday evening that there was no reason why the negotiations around the renewal of the star Mercedes driver should not succeed. 

« We always said we would wait until the title was played to complete the deal but we were delayed by 10-15 days by the virus, said the Austrian manager. We just have to take the time to exchange, virtually or in person ». 

Together, Hamilton and Mercedes have won 6 Drivers' titles and 74 victories, the most prolific team-racer partnership in history.