Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton Provides Clarity Regarding His Mercedes Contract Situation

• Lewis Hamilton’s current contract runs out at the end of the Formula 1 season
• Talks between the British driver and his Mercedes team have reportedly stalled
• Hamilton recently discussed his contract situation amid alleged links to Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton's future in Formula 1 has become one of the most talked about matters throughout the sport's summer break.

The British driver, whose current contract runs out at the end of the season, has consistently been linked with a move to rivals, Ferrari.

Claims that Hamilton would switch to the Maranello-based team were fuelled further by the words of Mercedes chief, James Allison, in his recent interview with Motorsports.com.

However, the seven-time champion has attempted to clear the air on his reported contract standoff with the Silverstone team.

Hamilton discusses his Mercedes contract

Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Hamilton told Sky Sports:

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"I’m staying where I am. It just takes time. We just had this break, as well. In this break, no one has been thinking about it. Hopefully, it will be done soon."

The reporter asked the British driver what was missing and received a cagey reply.

"I can’t tell you. There’s always something missing."

Assessing Hamilton’s situation with Mercedes, SkyF1's David Croft said on social media:

"Hamilton could retire now and live comfortably for the rest of his life, knowing he would leave this sport as one of the greatest drivers, if not the greatest driver, that we’ve ever seen."

Croft said that if Hamilton was talking about staying with Mercedes, a belief in the team had to be there.

"I don’t think the trust has ever disappeared, I don’t think the belief has ever disappeared, between Lewis and the team. Why would it, given what they’ve given him since 2013?"

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Despite the reassurance from Hamilton, however, it appears the links to Ferrari will not go away until the driver officially pens a new deal at Mercedes.

Hamilton advised against joining Ferrari

Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported on Hamilton being warned against joining Ferrari from Mercedes by Formula 1 analyst, Peter Windsor.

With just five months left to go on the Briton's existing deal, multiple teams on the grid have been linked with the seven-time champion.