Lewis Hamilton has told Mercedes he does not want to open contract negotiations so he can focus on matching Michael Schumacher's record.

Hamilton's £40million-a-year deal expires at the end of the season, and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is keen to tie the six-time world champion down to a new contract.

But Hamilton, 35, who appears poised to stay with Mercedes after Ferrari last week distanced themselves from a move for the Briton, is in no rush to start talking about his future.

"We have not sat down yet," said Hamilton. "I know Toto is keen to, but right now the focus is on trying to be fit and ready for the new season.

"You want to start the new year on the right foot so the contract is not something to get bogged down with.

"I don't see a particular rush. In the coming months I am sure we will sit down and discuss it."

Hamilton, who finished ninth on the second day of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya as his Mercedes team focused on mileage rather than outright speed, revealed fine details will play the decisive role in a deal which could earn him up to £60m-a-year.

"We share the same values, our goals are the same, and our respect for each other is huge."

Hamilton completed 106 laps on Thursday as Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen finished fastest, two tenths clear of Racing Point driver Sergio Perez.

The first test concludes on Friday. The teams will return to Barcelona next week for three days of running ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne on March 15.