The 7-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is contractually bound to Mercedes till the end of 2021. The Brit signed a 1-year deal with the German outfit at the end of 2020. But he announced the decision to extend his contract with Mercedes in February, which is highly unusual and very late.

But the 7-time champion and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff are determined to begin the contract negotiations much earlier this year.

Coming into the Styrian Grand Prix, Hamilton mentioned that talks had already begun. However, the negotiations are not serious but are being dealt with in a light-hearted fashion.

Wolff also confirmed the same when he spoke to the media ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix this weekend.

Watch Story: Lewis Hamilton: Ranking His F1 World Titles From 2008 to 2020

We know each other really well as personalities: Wolff

When asked about starting the contract discussions with Hamilton, “We have such a long-term relationship. I think we know each other really well as personalities,”  mentioned Wolff.

According to ESPN.com, Wolff also stated that he has full confidence that Hamilton will stay with Mercedes.

Wolff also stated that contract talks have been light-hearted with Lewis. Toto continued,” We had difficult conversations and we don’t wanna go there anymore. So for both of us, it was light-hearted and good, positive.” 

Toto also confirmed that the decision on the driver lineup would be made much sooner this year. “I can certainly guarantee you that we won’t be, that will come out with the decision earlier than February last year,” said Toto.

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Max tops FP2 as Lewis finishes 4th on the grid

Verstappen has continued to build on his form from France and topped the FP2 session from McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. Lewis Hamilton finished the session 4th behind Esteban Ocon. Hamilton and Mercedes went out on the softer tires before most of the grid and focused on race simulations.

Hamilton also struggled to match the raw speed of the Red Bull on the straights of the Red Bull Ring. It would be interesting to see the changes that Mercedes makes on Saturday to get ahead of their championship rivals.