Motor racing - Mercedes and Hamilton hope to start season with new deal done

F1 Formula One - Mercedes 2018 Car Launch - Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Britain - February 22, 2018 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during a press conference Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

SILVERSTONE, England (Reuters) - Four times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes hope to have a new long-term deal wrapped up before the season starts in Australia next month, both parties said on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch of the champions' new W09 car at a damp and cold Silverstone circuit, Hamilton indicated the signing could come in a matter of weeks.