Wolff insists Hamilton relationship is good despite Marko's claims of turmoil

Marko hinted in the German media last week that Red Bull might benefit from the situation. "It is already January and the two sides have not yet found each other. The whole situation is of course creating turmoil in the Mercedes team. Let's hope that we Bull can benefit from that."

So that desired benefit does not appear to be forthcoming, as Wolff revealed on Thursday afternoon that an announcement on a contract extension is imminent. Hamilton would like a three-year deal, but that does not seem to be on the cards. Nevertheless, the relationship between the British driver and Mercedes is not on the verge of collapse, as perhaps Marko had hoped.

Relationship with Hamilton still good

"We have a good relationship with each other which is much more than a professional relationship, but a friendship," Wolff said of his bond with Hamilton. The Austrian team boss mainly does the negotiations with Hamilton. "Lewis is important not only for the team but for the Mercedes brand. But the landscape is changing now."

And that means even Mercedes can't afford just anything. "We have big regulation change next year and we have the cost cap that will hit us hard this year. These are all factors that have played a role in our discussions. Also, of course looking at the future. And then it goes into detail. and we don't want to be put under pressure, it should be an a reasonable agreement. We are not far away from that," concluded Wolff.