Sir Lewis Hamilton wants to thrash out a new Mercedes contract before the summer break in August. ‘We never want to be in the position we were in January and February,’ said Sir Lewis, 36. And I am sure it wasn’t helpful for Toto (Wolff, team principal). ‘We couldn’t be off and relax, so it felt like we didn’t have much of a break. But I hope, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the job, we can start talking soon. Relations between Hamilton and the team seemed a little strained over his long-delayed one-year deal, but it now seems likely they will extend their fruitful partnership.

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