After his last-minute win at the Spanish Grand Prix this past weekend, Lewis Hamilton dropped another strong hint about his plans to continue racing with Mercedes beyond this season.

Having only just signed the latest of his contract extensions in February of this year, both Mercedes and Lewis have indicated they would like the next deal, if any, to be signed much earlier.

Speaking fresh off his 98th career win in Barcelona, Hamilton said: "We never want to be in the position that we were in in January, in February.

"It ruined my whole winter and I'm sure it wasn't helpful for Toto [Wolff]'s, in terms of being out to be off and relaxed, so it felt like we didn't really have much of a break."

And so, Lewis, for one, would want the decision to be made by the August summer break if not earlier.

Although there is no rush, nobody wants to be out of the loop where their contract is concerned, with Hamilton concluding: "I think we have to be sensible. Naturally we don't have to rush anything, but I think we have to be sensible and start conversations. They're very complex, it's never a super simple procedure and so hopefully soon we can start, as long as it doesn't interfere the actual job.

"We still have 19 races to do, but it would be great to get something in place before the break so then we could, again, be in that break and have a clear picture of the future."

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has also mentioned that he is encouraged by Hamilton’s comments about his future plans and that there “is no reason why” the 36-year-old would not extend with his team after being with them for the last nine seasons.

He added: “It's the best place to be. He has been with us a long time and I think as long as we can provide the outlook for a competitive package, I see no reason why we shouldn't be together and continue the marriage.”

So it seems as though the marriage made in heaven between Hamilton and Mercedes will be extended, especially as the Brit's competitive nature doesn’t seem to be waning just yet.

He has made the joint-best start to a season in his career so far this season, picking up three wins and a runners-up spot. He's obtained 94 points and already has a 14-point lead over title rival Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.

This is one marriage that does not seem to be on the rocks, and it seems like we'll be avoiding the late drama like we had this time around!