Mercedes hints at imminent new Hamilton contract

Mercedes hinted on social media that Lewis Hamilton's new contract with the championship winning team is likely just around the corner.

In Abu Dhabi last week, Hamilton said he was confident that a new deal with Mercedes would be done and dusted before Christmas, while team boss Toto Wolff also alluded to a finalization of the pair's contract negotiations.

On Thursday, Mercedes posted on social media a recent Hamilton quote, accompanied by the hashtag '#Announce'.

"I plan to be here next year. I want to be here next year," read the message.

"I think we as a team have more to do together and more to achieve, both in the sport but even more outside it."

Valtteri Bottas has already extended his contract with Mercedes for 2021, but Hamilton has taken his time to settle the terms of what will likely be his final F1 deal.

• Read also: New Mercedes contract must address issues beyond F1 - Hamilton

Last month, the seven-time world champion said that he would like his next contract to reflect how his involvement with the team can help the brand's push for change, in terms of both diversity and sustainability.

No details have transpired over the monetary value of Hamilton's next deal with the German manufacturer, but reports indicate that the new deal could be worth an annual £40 million.

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