Lewis Hamilton copies Michael Schumacher with George Russell snub

Meanwhile, Hamilton wants his new deal signed off before Christmas next week.

He said: “Hopefully over the next couple of weeks [the contract will be sorted]. I would love – we would love – to get it done before Christmas, I think.

“I plan to be here next year; I want to be here next year. I think us, as a team, have more to do together and more to achieve both in the sport but even more outside the sport I think.

“So yeah, I hope we can begin this week, discussions, and hopefully get it tied up before Christmas.”