Lauda adamant Hamilton will sign new Mercedes deal

Mercedes non executive chairman Niki Lauda insists Lewis Hamilton is on verge of signing a new deal with the Silver Arrows outfit.

Uncertainly over the reigning world champion's future appears to be lingering given the delay in the two parties agreeing terms and Hamilton's current slump in performance.

Mercedes' mega star says however that there is no causal relationship between his contractual situation and his team's relative under-performance.

"When I'm driving I'm not thinking about contracts," he said.

• Rosberg sends staunch warning to Hamilton's rivals

As far as Lauda is concerned, Hamilton's new deal with the German manufacturer is as good as done.

"It's just about the details," the F1 legend told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Lewis will continue to drive for us."

He admits, however, that the negotiations have been a roller-coaster ride.

"Depending on the mood, it is sometimes more or less expensive," Lauda added.

"It always depends on how the last race went. But the money is not a problem. We agree in principle."

It's early days still, but Mercedes' 2019 line-up may well remain unchanged in light of Valtteri Bottas' performance to date, and particularly his efforts in Shanghai which impressed the team's top brass.

"That was the best race I've ever seen from Valtteri," boss Toto Wolff said after China.

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