Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff wants to have a new deal in place with Lewis Hamilton before the start of the new season in Australia.
The two-time F1 title holder is entering the final season of his contract, the third year of a deal he signed after opting to leave McLaren.
The Brit has become the most successful British racing driver in history, surpassing the wins total amassed by 1992 Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell.
In 2015 he will be aiming to win his third championship, something that will put him alongside the greats of the sport such as Sir Jackie Stewart and Hamilton’s idol Aryton Senna.
But whilst his future at Mercedes is thought to be secure, there has already been delays and Hamilton has no formal representation having parted company with his XIX Entertainment management team.
Last season contract negotiations were put on hold at the request of Hamilton so he could concentrate on his challenge for a second world title.
Over the winter, Hamilton has reportedly gone through some troubles in his personal life, splitting with long-term girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger.
‘It is always beneficial you have a clear situation, for the driver and ourselves, That is the best case, but you want to get it right as well, so it needs time. said Wolff to Sky Sports.
‘There is no reason for us to believe it is not going to go in the way we think is right, and Lewis thinks is right.
‘Therefore we should aim to finish the discussions before the start of the season.
‘But this is not a deadline we have set ourselves because the moment you set deadlines you put yourself under pressure, and we don’t want to put him or us under pressure.’
Wolff wants to wrap up Hamilton contract talks
