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Lewis Hamilton aims to sign new Mercedes deal before 2021 summer break

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of committing to a 16th season on the Formula 1 grid and has set a July deadline to sign a new contract.

The Briton had cast doubt over his future in the sport after only agreeing only a one-year deal for the 2021 season.

But after a fourth consecutive thrilling race against Max Verstappen this season, the 36-year-old said he already had his eyes on the 2022 campaign.

“Naturally we don’t want to rush anything but I think we have to be sensible and start conversations,” he said after winning Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix.

“They’re very complex, it’s never a super simple procedure and so hopefully soon we can star as long as it doesn’t interfere with the actual job.

“We still have 19 races to do but it would be great to get something in place before the break so then could be in that break and have a clear picture of the future.”

Hamilton had looked set to play second fiddle to Verstappen in Barcelona yesterday only for a bold pitstop strategy by Mercedes in the latter part of the race enabled him to reel in his championship rival on newer tyres for the win.

It was the Briton’s third victory of the season and gives him a 14-point cushion over the Dutchman. But Hamilton warned he and Mercedes cannot afford a single slip-up after another thrilling head-to-head.

“The Red Bulls have started off incredibly strong,” he said. “They do both have a championship-winning car and opportunity, as do we.

“It’s going to take everything from us, not only me bringing my A game but the team bringing their A-game weekend in, weekend out. Otherwise these guys will be winning.”

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