Lewis Hamilton is possibly the greatest Formula 1 driver in history.

The Brit has made a habit of winning over the course of his career - clinching a staggering 84 Grand Prix victories on his way to no less than six World Championship titles.

Having started his career at the wheel of a McClaren, Hamilton made the controversial move to Mercedes in 2013 and hasn't looked back since.

It's been a frightfully effective partnership, as Mercedes continue to completely dominate the sport off the back of Hamilton's magnificent record in the Silver Arrow.

It is no surprise then, that the Toto Wolff lead team are desperate to cling on to the services of Hamilton, especially with his contract soon to inspire.

Employing the greatest driver the sport has ever known won't come cheap though, with reports beginning to emerge that Hamilton has requested an eye-watering new deal.

According to murmurings in Italian media, Hamilton has asked for a four-year deal, believed to be worth somewhere in the region of a staggering £46 million per year.

To put that into perspective, Hamilton would effectively be earning £3.8 million per month, £126,000 per day, £5,250 per hour, £88 per minute and £1.50 per second.

There is no questioning that Hamilton is Mercedes' most valuable asset, but even the richest team on the planet may baulk at that asking price.

The massive fee could prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations and could be why other publications are reporting that talks have stalled between the two parties.

You can be sure Wolff will be wanting to talk Hamilton into accepting a lesser fee but if he truly wants to retain the Brit, he may have to cough up the cash to keep him happy.

With pre-season testing due to begin in earnest in February, Mercedes will want to get this sewn up to avoid it becoming a distraction during the season.

If they can secure another four years of Hamilton though, we could be in for much of the same in the coming seasons.

Its already looking like Mercedes' year yet again.