In the circus that is Formula One, few things seem sure.

Incessant rule changes, faster cars, safety tweaks, good cars/bad cars, changeable tyre compounds, and the driver merry-go-round keeps all fans on their toes.

Or perhaps these are the elements that keep F1, well er... F1.

The season is only three races old and yet the issue of current world champion Lewis Hamilton's contract is making headlines.

Mercedes have always been loyal to their drivers, and the British star is certainly the fulcrum on which the team pivots.

They know his sheer pace, technical skill, and quality, to say nothing of the three world championships Hamilton has brought to the team, and they're keen to get his signature. 

Team chairman Niki Lauda admits the team has so far failed to iron out a contract that both parties are happy with, but suggests Hamilton will stay at Mercedes. 

"It's just about the details. Lewis will continue to drive for us," the former racer said.

The devil is always in the detail and whatever the reasons, a deal is still not done. He also suggested that timing of discussions with Hamilton has a marked impact on their outcome. 

"Depending on the mood, it is sometimes more or less expensive," Lauda went on to say. "It always depends on how the last race went. But the money is not a problem. We agree in principle."

Hamilton has copped some flack from some commentators for the delay in signing a new deal, suggesting there may be problems between the parties. 

Pre-season, Hamilton was relaxed about the discussion, but expressed a desire to do it when he was good and ready.

”I’m really super relaxed, I don’t feel pressure from the team, I don’t feel pressure within myself,” Hamilton said. 

“I want to continue racing so I’ll have to do a contract at some stage but I’m definitely not going to do it when people want me to do it. I’ll do it when it’s ready."

But, three races on, with Mercedes still yet to seal a first win of the season, and Hamilton out-gunned by his teammate Valtteri Bottas in the last two Grands Prix, pressure is mounting on the Brit and his outlook may change. 

However, he denies that conjecture over his new contract is impacting on his driving. 

"When I'm driving I'm not thinking about contracts."

Contracts are sometimes delayed while drivers survey their options, and world champions, particularly four-time trophy winners, often have a well-beaten path to their door. But this season is different. Hamilton has fewer options open to him, and his teammate's performances are adding pressure. 

Red Bull have contracted Max Verstappen on a long-term deal, Daniel Ricciardo's stocks keep rising, especially with a quick car under him, albeit the rumour mill is linking the Australian with a possible move to Mercedes. 

And, Ferrari looks set with a great car and the Sebastian Vettel/Kimi Raikkonen partnership firing well. Even if Raikkonen's deal was not extended, Ferrari would probably seek a younger driver and focus less on Hamilton, who would be 34 next season.

Interesting times ahead for the Brit and Silver Arrows team.