Lewis Hamilton reveals how coronavirus has impacted plan to sign new Mercedes F1 contract

Lewis Hamilton admits the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have left him feeling a “little bit awkward” about the prospect of opening talks over a blockbuster new Mercedes contract. The reigning F1 champion’s current deal expires at the end of the 2020 season.

“I really want to,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1, when asked if he’ll follow Bottas in committing his future to Mercedes. “I’m sure [team principal Toto Wolff is] probably getting a little bit anxious because I haven’t been too forward with it – like: ‘let’s get it done, now!’

“I don’t know, I’m just a very chilled individual. I think particularly in a time where people are losing their jobs, I generally honestly feel a little bit awkward with sitting down and talking about numbers and talking about a new contract when there are people out there who are not eating, there are people out there who are starving, there are people out there who have lost their jobs during this pandemic.

“So, I don’t know, I feel a little bit awkward with it, that’s why I’ve kind of stepped back a little bit. But, of course, I will do at some stage. But it’s awkward – I’m like: ‘how long can I leave it until it’s maybe a little bit more normal, things maybe get a little bit better?’

“But I am absolutely 100 per cent committed to my team. I’m loyal as ever and I don’t lie, so it’s not like I’m communicating with someone else – I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Hamilton has received the backing of Mercedes this year as he pushes for equality and throws his support behind the Black Lives Matter movement.

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The F1 champions swapped out their traditional silver livery for a new-look blacked-out colour scheme on the eve of the new season and personnel have since taken a knee in solidarity with their talisman.

Hamilton is delighted to know Mercedes are on his side and he’s eager for their rivals to follow suit in aiding the fight against racism and all forms of discrimination.

“I love what we are doing in terms of our competitiveness and that journey, but also this new journey that everybody has embraced,” said Hamilton.

“You see the team taking a knee, you see the Formula E team embracing it too. I hope that we can be a beacon of light to hopefully other teams encouraging them that they could also be a part of this change and it’s not about the competition, it’s actually about change for the future.”

Hamilton and Mercedes will be back in action on Sunday as F1 marks seven decades of racing with the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone.

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source: express.co.uk