British-born, world-class Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, 38, is likely to stay with Mercedes.

According to the BBC on Friday, Hamilton has not held talks with Ferrari and is close to agreeing a new contract with Mercedes that will keep him with the team beyond this season.

Hamilton said his team (representatives) are working with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on a new contract.

Earlier, media reports emerged this week that Ferrari had approached Hamilton to bring him to the Italian team. However, both the seven-time world champion F1 superstar and the Italian team denied the reports.

Hamilton said Mercedes’ efforts to be competitive beyond 2022 had “nothing to do” with his decision to stay.

He added: “This is the first time I have not negotiated directly and I have a great team behind me doing all the work so I can concentrate on my job. I’ve said what I want and that’s what we’re pursuing,” he said. “My team is working closely with Toto behind the scenes and the contract is almost ready. I’m much more comfortable now because before I had to do it myself,” he added.안전놀이터

When asked directly if he had been in contact with Ferrari, Hamilton said “no”.

The Ferrari team also denied the reports, saying they had not made an offer to Hamilton.

Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, tied with F1 legend Michael Schumacher for the most in history, will relinquish his throne to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (25, Netherlands) for the second consecutive year starting in 2021.