Lewis Hamilton is locked in talks with Mercedes over a possible contract extension but team principal Toto Wolff claims they do not enjoy attempting to thrash out new terms.
Hamilton and Wolff have formed a formidable partnership at the Silver Arrows, who have won six double Championships in a row.
Their dominance is expected to continue this year as Hamilton has the chance to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles.
However, the Brit is out of contract at the end of the year and is mulling over a switch to Ferrari.
The 35-year-old probably only has one more blockbuster deal left in his career so he is intent on getting the best terms possible.
Wolff claims he does not enjoy negotiating with Hamilton because of how their friendship has blossomed.
“The dynamic is very good because we have known each other for such a long time,” Wolff said during Mercedes’ car launch.
“We have the greatest respect for each other. He knows his value and we do.
“On the other side Lewis is very aware about where we are as a team and a mother company.
“Overall these discussion we don’t like them because we are friends and very close to each other on this journey but out is part of the job.”
“I hope that I can continue to help contribute to the team’s success.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton posted a video on social media ahead of the new F1 season urging patience from his followers.
“I know you guys are all gunning for number seven, but we have to just take it one step at a time,” he said.
“We have no idea where we are going to stand compared to everybody else so we just have to try and be more efficient in our test programme as we have less time and we still have lot of work to do.”