Hamilton signs new deal at last

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton thanked Mercedes for indulging him as he finally signed a new contract, ending months of stalling and growing speculation over his future.

With his previous contract set to expire at the end of this year, the four-time world champion penned a new agreement until 2020, when the current set of F1 regulations end. No figures were given, but the bumper deal is reportedly worth £40 million per year.

Talks began early this year with Toto Wolff, the team’s head of motorsport.

Hamilton negotiates his own deals and, by his own admission, he was the one holding things up.

“Obviously it’s been drawn out [through] my fault, really,” Hamilton said. “I appreciate Toto being so patient with me, because I’m not the easiest. I think most people would not have been given the time frame I chose to take.”

Hamilton admitted the delay fuelled speculation, with suggestions that Ferrari attempted to lure him away.