Toto Wolff has already given his view on rumours linking Lewis Hamilton with another Formula 1 team amid reports Ferrari are readying an approach for the seven-time world champion.
Hamilton, 38, is out of contract at the end of this year. And while he has insisted he plans to renew with the team, uncertainty will continue to persist until the pen is put to paper on that long-awaited extension.
He has regularly been linked with a move to Ferrari and a fresh claim emerged this week. The Daily Mail reported the Italian team is readying a £40m contract offer to tempt Hamilton to try something new in his pursuit of an eighth F1 title.
Mercedes chief Wolff has made it clear at every opportunity that he wishes to continue working with Hamilton. And, in a recent interview with Austrian outlet Osterreich, he made clear his belief that there is no substance in reports that the Brit might be tempted to leave for a rival.
"These rumours come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract," he said. "But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure."
Wolff also gave an update on the progress of negotiations, in which he admitted his dislike for one particular aspect. "It's just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money," he added.
"I'm firmly convinced that we'll find each other, there's not a millimetre of doubt for me. I can't imagine anything else. If we give Lewis a competitive car, he will win for a long time. Look at Tom Brady and what he was still capable of in his 40s."
The other option for Hamilton, other than extending with Mercedes or leaving for a rival, is retiring from racing. F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali is hopeful that the Brit will ignore that option, though, and admitted he "1,000 per cent" wants him to continue.
"He loves our sport – he has been in it since he was a child," said the Italian. "Now his role in F1 is getting bigger than an F1 world champion, given the way he gets involved in a lot of things outside the sport and takes an active role in society. He takes us towards new dimensions.
