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Lewis Hamilton has provided his biggest hint yet that he is set to stay at the Mercedes team after the 2020 Formula 1 season.
The Briton's current contract expires at the end of the upcoming championship, and he has been linked to a move to Ferrari over the winter break.
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Hamilton held informal talks with Ferrari last year, who has since tied Charles Leclerc down to a long-term deal, while Sebastian Vettel is out of contract at the end of 2020.
Despite the connections to the Scuderia outfit, Hamilton has suggested that he is likely to stay at the Silver Arrows in 2021 and beyond, speaking in an interview with Sky F1.
"In the top teams there isn't going to be a lot of movement, most likely," said Hamilton "In the ones cascading down I'm not too sure what everyone's contracts are - but I don't think there's going to be a huge amount of movement.
"I think just get used to what's similar at the moment. I don't know what Seb's plan is for the future."
Max Verstappen is confirmed at Red Bull for 2021, having penned a long-term deal with the energy drink squad over the winter period.
Hamilton is not yet in advanced talks with Mercedes, as team boss Toto Wolff recently said that talks between the two would only begin this month.
"It's always an exciting moment," Hamilton said about contract negotiations. "It's a real privilege to be wanted to stay and be part of a great team. That's a great feeling. I hope I can continue to contribute."
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Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (4)
Login to replyPistonhead
Posts: 556
He'll be staying - hearing Seb moving closer to re-signing at Ferrari
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I really hope Seb doesn't renew with Ferrari. It wod be so exciting to see Ricciardo there. However, Seb would find himself unemployable if not with Ferrari. He's too expensive, and his lowlights for three consecutive years don't help either. I'm certain that Mercedes would rather pay 1m to a potentially rising star like Russell than 35m to a dying star like Seb.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And at any rate, a newer driver is easier to coerce into a B driver role. I'm neither for nor against Vettel staying at Ferrari, but if he does leave, methinks it'll be for RBH.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
I feel, Vettel is better of staying at Ferrari with $35mil/year package. If he goes to RBH, not only would he not get same pay, he would also get beaten by VER with a car tailored for him.