The Briton only signed a one-year extension to remain with Mercedes until the end of the 2021 s𒁃eason, but he is widely expected to continue in F1 for at least one more year.

Last month, Hamilton outlined his desire to seal a new contract with Mercedes before the summer break in Aug💞ust as both parties look to avoℱid a repeat of the prolonged negotiations that spilled over into this year.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix, Hamilton confirmed that discussions over a renewed deal have started and have so far bee🦹n “positive”.

“We have begun discussions,” Hamilton said. “Not a lot to say, [not] too much on it, we have had discussions and things are 🀅positive.”

S💞peculation over who will partner Hamilton at Mercedes next season remains rife, with Valtteri Bo꧅ttas facing an uncertain future after a disappointing start to 2021.

The Finn is out of contract𝕴 at the end of the year and Mercedes is currently weighing up whether to retain Bottas or replace him with its protege and current Williams driver George Russell.

Hamilton was complimentary about Bottas when he faced the media at the Red Bull Ring on Th🔯ursday, saying: “I think Valtteri has been the best teammate overall, and when I say teammate it is not just about drive performance.

“It is about team morale, how yo🔯u work in a team mate environment, and we’ll continue to improve on our communication and hopefully do better moving forwards.”

Asked specifical♈ly if he would like to see Bottas stay, Hamilton replied: “Valtteri is my team mate now and both of us have had༒ ups and downs in our careers.

“But like I said, he’s a fantasti🦂c team-mate and I don’t necessarily see tha💧t it needs to change.”