Wolff appears unconcerned by reports linking Hamilton away from Mercedes, however, as he stated that the Brit is not tempted to leave for a rival team. “These rumours come up every two years when we have to sign a new contract,” he recently told Austrian outlet Osterreich. “But none of this is true. We discuss normally, without any time pressure.

“It’s just uncomfortable that two friends, two blood brothers who have been through thick and thin for ten years, suddenly have to discuss money. I’m firmly convinced that we’ll find each other, there’s not a millimetre of doubt for me. I can’t imagine anything else.

“If we give Lewis a competitive car, he will win for a long time. Look at Tom Brady and what he was still capable of in his 40s.”