Hamilton Contract-Extension 'Formality'

Lewis Hamilton's new contract at Mercedes is a mere formality, Red Bull consultant Dr Helmut Marko has confirmed. To his knowledge, Hamilton will extend his contract at the Silver Arrows until 2020. His current three-year deal expires after this year.

Hamilton is currently on his second three-year deal at Mercedes. All rumours until now pointed to Hamilton signing another three-year deal, but Dr Helmut Marko told the German outlet Motorsport-Total.com he'll be signing on for two years this time.

"My knowledge is that Hamilton will soon renew his contract until 2020," he said.

This echoes the message that has been coming out of both Mercedes' and Hamilton's corner. Both parties have been saying that the contract is done, apart from the last details.

Hamilton, 33 years old, has said that he hopes to drive a few more years for Mercedes, but then added that he doesn't want to commit long-term.

"You never know how you'll feel in two or three years; will you be happy at work? One year is long, a lot can happen in your life, opinions change," he said.

In that mindset, a two-year deal makes more sense than three.