Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport is today reporting that Lewis Hamilton could very well extend his contract with Mercedes F1 team by a further 2 years from 2021.

According to their reporter Luigi Perna in today’s printed edition of the newspaper, Lewis is in advanced talks with Mercedes on a contract extension with the Silver Arrows.

“In the meantime, Lewis Hamilton is in discussion with Mercedes over the renewal of his contract,” wrote Perna.

“The negotiation, which will see Hamilton extend his stay until the end of 2022, is at an advanced stage and is worth in the region of 45m Euros a year with bonuses.”

How true this report remains to be seen. Indeed Gazzetta was the source of the previously sensationalised story that did the rounds in Abu Dhabi that Hamilton had been in contact with both Enzo Ferrari’s son and the Ferrari CEO John Elkann with a view to switching teams to Ferrari.

One thing that does hold some weight to the extension to Mercedes, and something that hadn’t been so much of a factor at Abu Dhabi, was the contract extension by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in December last year. A move that’ll keep Leclerc in at Ferrari until 2024.

Indeed, recently Fernando Alonso claimed in another report from the Gazzetta, that Hamilton simply didn’t have the right character to flourish at Ferrari.

“Each have their own character,” said Alonso when asked to compare Lewis Hamilton to Michael Schumacher, the 7 time Champion who claimed 5 Championships with Ferrari.

“Both of them dominated because of their cars, which allowed them to do what they wanted outside of Formula 1.” says the Spaniard.

“Michael had more discipline and preparation, he was more into the team dynamics.

“Lewis has a different character and lifestyle that would not be right if he had a normal car. His bosses would not be happy.”

Recently, insideracing.com reported that former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali told Sky Sports Italia that he thought it now extremely unlikely we’ll see Hamilton at Ferrari.

“I think it’s normal to talk about this….

“But my impression is that Ferrari is focusing everything on Charles Leclerc, so I don’t think they are going to sign a top driver like Lewis.

“The team is giving a clear direction focusing on a young talented driver.” concludes Domenicali.