The times are not right for contract negotiations for Hamilton

After the renewal of Valtteri Bottas' contract for 2021, Mercedes still has a free seat next season. On paper only because the place is naturally reserved for its current occupant, Lewis Hamilton, six-time world champion, undisputed boss of the field, and leader of the Drivers ranking after 3 consecutive victories. 

For weeks, the Briton and his boss Toto wolff assure that the continuation of their common adventure is only a formality. Hamilton declared again last week that he saw himself continuing in F1 during " at least 3 years old ». 

So why is the announcement slow in coming? Have driver and team reached an impasse in their negotiations? None of this according to Hamilton, who suggests that the Coronavirus pandemic and especially the movement to fight for equal rights of which he is a fervent ambassador are mobilizing his energy more at the moment. 

« I just have the feeling that it's not the right time to discuss and talk about this, when we see the number of people who have lost their jobs around the world., Hamilton said ahead of the 70th Anniversary GP. Negotiating a big contract is not the most important thing right now.

I want to continue with the team (Mercedes) and it won't take a mountain of effort to find an agreement. But I don't feel comfortable dealing with that right now. We'll just have to wait a little longer. I don't talk to anyone else.

I look forward to continuing this shared adventure, especially as we begin a new chapter where we will do more to promote diversity and inclusion. I'm not worrying, it's going to happen at some point ». 

We don't really doubt it.