Wolff provides update on new Hamilton contract as seven-time champ enters final year of current deal

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has told the Beyond The Grid podcast that agreeing terms with Lewis Hamilton over a new contract is on his winter to-do list, though he insists there is “no firm deadline”.

Hamilton, who turned 38 on Saturday, has entered the final year of the most recent deal he signed in 2021, having initially made the move to the Silver Arrows from McLaren for the 2013 campaign.

READ MORE: Wolff praises Hamilton for ‘really admirable’ approach to 2022 setbacks – and makes Schumacher comparison

During his time at Mercedes, Hamilton has racked up six drivers’ titles and contributed to a whopping eight successive constructors’ crowns from 2014 to 2021, while setting a host of F1 records.

Speaking in an appearance on Beyond The Grid, Wolff addressed Hamilton’s future beyond 2023, amid his push for what would be a record-breaking eighth crown.

“Well, the job list is pretty long [with] what’s needed to be done! Certainly, Lewis’s contract is one of the topics that we will tackle over the winter, but there is no firm deadline,” Wolff told host Tom Clarkson.

Pushed if he is confident about Hamilton putting pen to paper again, Wolff added: “Absolutely. Lewis is part of the team, and the team is part of Lewis. [There’s] no reason not to continue.”

READ MORE: Hamilton names two midfield teams he hopes can join 2023 championship battle

With Red Bull driver Max Verstappen beating Hamilton to the 2021 title in a dramatic showdown and going on to dominate the 2022 season, while Mercedes struggled to adapt to F1’s rules reset, Wolff was asked if recent times have made the Briton even hungrier for more success.

“I think one of his strengths is that he’s always hungry, he’s always eager. He’s a great sportsman, but he’s also someone that’s extremely driven and determined,” Wolff summed up.

To hear Wolff’s wide-ranging Beyond The Grid interview – which also includes details on Mercedes’ 2023 car and his assessment of George Russell’s first season with the team – hit go in the player below, or head here to catch it on your preferred platform.