MERCEDES are preparing for “curveballs” as F1 king Lewis Hamilton’s future remains in doubt just two months before the new season. Hamilton, who was 36 on Thursday, insists he wants to stay with Mercedes, where his deal expired on December 31. Hamilton has been very laidback publicly over a new deal, which is expected to be worth £40million a year. Reports in Italy suggested there were three sticking points over a new contract: salary, plus Hamilton wanting a share of the team’s prize money and a freebie AMG One hypercar. And as they wait for Hamilton’s future to be decided, Mercedes will continue developing this year’s car based on the assumption he will be driving it.

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