Lewis Hamilton has offered an insight into his contract negotiations with Mercedes, as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion nears a bumper new deal.
Hamilton made history last weekend by winning his seventh Drivers’ Championship.
The 35-year-old Brit stormed to victory at the Turkish Grand Prix to equal the record set by Michael Schumacher in 2005 for the most world titles.
The Mercedes star is widely regarded as the finest driver of all time, having won more Grands Prix than any other driver in history.
Despite his lofty successes, Hamilton could become a free agent at the end of the season unless he inks a new contract with the Silver Arrows.
Hamilton has been in negotiations over an extension with Mercedes throughout the season, and is expected to sign a new contract.
Reports had suggested he had agreed a new two-year deal in principle, but was still yet to sign on the dotted line.
Mercedes themselves have hinted through their Twitter account that an agreement is near, but there is still yet to be an announcement.
And now, Hamilton has opened up on the negotiations and revealed one of the things he wants from the agreement.
He told the BBC, via Essentially Sport, that he wanted to be able to spend more time with his family and friends next season.
The Formula 1 schedule is more congested than ever next year, with an all-time-high 23 grands prix throughout the season.
And Hamilton hinted that he wants to be able to take his friends and family around the world with him if he is to continue in the sport.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hamilton has largely been on his own this season, and explained that he wants to reverse that next year.
He continued: “This year’s shown that, for example, you can work from home.
“So I’m sure there’ll be a lot of Zoom dates in the contract rather than actual present days which means I have to fly less.”
Hamilton is set to receive a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list due to his incredible world title glory and for using his voice to support equality.
The Brit is set to become the fourth F1 driver to receive the honour.
