Hamilton and Ferrari to resume contract talks after Baku

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari will resume discussions about his future after this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with both parties describing the timeline as open.

Hamilton's current agreement runs to the end of 2027 with performance conditions attached. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed on Friday that talks had been paused during the European season and would restart in October.

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"There is no drama in this," Vasseur said. "We have a driver who has won more races than anyone. The question is what he wants for the next part of his career, and that is a conversation, not a negotiation."

The sporting context

Hamilton's second season at Maranello has been better than his first: two wins, seven podiums and a qualifying record against Leclerc that is close to level. He turns 42 in January.

Ferrari holds an option on Oliver Bearman through his Haas contract, which gives the team an obvious internal candidate if Hamilton chooses to stop. Bearman has declined to discuss it in public all season.