MONZA, Italy -- Lewis Hamilton is planning to sign a new contract with Mercedes before the end of the year, saying Sebastian Vettel's commitment to Ferrari for the next three seasons has made a decision about his long-term future a lot easier.
Up until now, the British three-time world champion had only spoken vaguely about his plans beyond the end of his current contract in 2018, but on Thursday he made it clear that he plans to remain at Mercedes.
"I don't know if everyone expected him [Vettel] to sign a three-year deal, but it doesn't really change much for me to be honest," Hamilton said.