Hamilton contract issues not expected by Mercedes chief Wolff

Toto Wolff is relaxed over Mercedes' upcoming contract discussions with Lewis Hamilton as he expects the Briton to "swiftly" agree fresh terms.

Six-time Formula 1^® world champion Hamilton is out of contract after the 2020 season and had previously flirted with the idea of joining Ferrari.

However, given the Scuderia have already agreed terms with Carlos Sainz to become Charles Leclerc's team-mate, Hamilton appears set to stay at Mercedes, even if contract discussions have yet to be initiated.

Wolff has no doubt those talks will be straightforward, though, as he pointed to the strong relationship Mercedes have built up with Hamilton during the Briton's eight seasons with the team.

"We're keeping in contact with each other regularly," team principal Wolff told Sky Sports.

"We have been in different parts of the world but very much keep ourselves in the loop of what is happening.

"The moment Lewis touches down back in Europe we will carve out what needs to be carved out.

"We have been together for eight years now and the agreements don't need to be reinvented. There is a good basis and I believe we could come to a point pretty swiftly."

Who partners Hamilton in the other seat is less clear, with Valtteri Bottas' contract also set to expire at the conclusion of the 2020 season.

Williams' George Russell and Renault's Esteban Ocon have both progressed from the team's young driver programme and Wolff admitted Mercedes have an eye on the future as well as the present.

"Red Bull has two very talented drivers, Ferrari has very talented drivers - I think the combination they've chosen is very good," he added.

"We need to make sure our short-term future is in good hands, and there are no better hands out there than Lewis', and then our mid-to-long-term strategy is being considered.

"It's not an easy situation but we are in a good place."