Madrid, Feb 2: Formula 1 racing team Mercedes is confident that world champion Lewis Hamilton will sign a new contract soon.

The Briton's current deal will expire at the end of the year. Talks have started on the new deal, Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, has said discussions will come to a positive end soon, reports Xinhua.

"I have no doubt about that," said Wolff Monday.

"We met each other after the break one week ago and had a good discussion. There is no hurry. It's only January."

The 30-year-old Hamilton clinched his second F1 title last year, beating team-mate Nico Rosberg at the final double-points race in Abu Dhabi.

IANS