Contract talks loom for Hamilton and Mercedes

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Newly crowned world championship Lewis Hamilton will soon be sitting down with Mercedes to discuss his future in F1 with the German manufacturer.

While there appears to be little doubt about Hamilton extending his commitment to his current employer, discussion shall likely center around the duration and value of his new contract.

"We spoke a few weeks ago back at the factory and said that we would be sitting down," said Hamilton.

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"It is quite an easy process for us. We already have something great in place and it is really just about extending it and enhancing it and working on what more I can do for them and vice versa.

"But I am pretty sure within the next month or so we would have time to have sat down."

Formula 1's four-time world champion says he is enjoying his driving "more than ever" although he conceded that this season had been his most challenging since the start of his F1 career in 2007.

"I'm enjoying driving more than ever," he told Sky Sports F1.

"Whether it's a few, a couple, or one [year left in F1], I'm still going to be here next year and I hope for a little time beyond that.

"There is a long life after Formula 1 and I don't want to make it any longer than it's going to have to be because this is the best period of time in my life.

"There are still great things beyond my Formula 1 career which I'm working on right now, but I'm enjoying driving more than ever."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.