Mercedes have began contract extension talks with seven-times Method One world champion Lewis Hamilton and age won’t be an element within the negotiations, staff boss Toto Wolff mentioned on Wednesday.

Hamilton, winner of a report 103 grands prix, turned 38 in January and will probably be beginning his eleventh season at Mercedes in March.

Wolff advised reporters after the launch of the staff’s new W14 automotive at Silverstone that he and Hamilton, whose present contract expires on the finish of 2023, have been in no hurry to get something signed.

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“We have had a primary chat however I do not need to decide to any timeline as a result of it isn’t necessary for him nor for us… it runs a full 12 months and we will discover the fitting time,” mentioned the Austrian.

Wolff batted away a query about age and period, with Hamilton the second oldest driver on the beginning grid after Aston Martin’s 41-year-old double champion Fernando Alonso.

“I believe the age, 38, performs no function for this subsequent contract in case you take a look at how nicely high athletes on the earth have pushed the boundaries,” he mentioned, referencing NFL quarterback Tom Brady who just lately retired at 45.

Wolff mentioned earlier contract negotiations had not been advanced other than the plain phrases.

“When it comes to the contractual scenario, we have at all times discovered good options that replicate his worth for the staff and for the game and on the opposite facet I believe Mercedes is the place he needs to be.

“These items have by no means been a contentious level. Nothing’s dragging on, The alignment is nice… it is virtually not like a primary precedence sitting down as a result of that is going to be a journey that may proceed.”