Lewis Hamilton's long-running contract saga could be concluded before next week's British Grand Prix.
Hamilton, 33, is in the final year of his Mercedes deal, but after months of negotiations the Brit's extension - which will rubber-stamp his future with Mercedes for at least another two seasons - is on the brink of being announced.
In what could be his last contract in Formula One, Hamilton is poised to earn STG40 million ($A71 million) per year to cement his status as the United Kingdom's highest paid sportsperson.
It is understood Mercedes do not have a formal timeline in place to announce Hamilton's new deal.
However, team boss Toto Wolff hinted after Sunday's French Grand Prix - a race won by the British driver and attended by Mercedes chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche - that a conclusion may finally on the horizon.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"We don't want to drag it out much longer," Wolff said.
"I expect it to be done very, very soon."
The Austrian cryptically added: "Maybe it is about choosing the right moment."
