Lewis Hamilton explains why it

“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.”

Despite the time it is taking, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is adamant Hamilton will put pen to paper on an extension.

“It is going to happen,” said Wolff. “There is no reason it is not going to happen.”