Lewis Hamilton has said that he thinks talks about his next Mercedes contract will be "easy".

Earlier, although Hamilton had hinted that he wanted to stay a further three years after 2018, team chiefs said he should instead concentrate on the 2017 title battle.

With his fourth championship now in his pocket, the 32-year-old again appears keen to talk.

"Already a few weeks ago we were sitting in the factory and talking about it for the first time," Hamilton said. "It should be an easy conversation."

Germany's Bild newspaper suggests that Hamilton currently earns €35m (£30.8m) a year, and expects that number to rise from 2019.

The British press is speculating that Hamilton could be knighted in the next round of New Year Honours.

Hamilton told The Sun: "I am trying to represent the country in the best way I can and if that is recognised by the Queen then I'd be incredibly honoured."

Even if he does race into 2018 as a 'Sir', Hamilton is expecting an even tougher battle to keep his F1 crown.

"Formula 1 doesn't sleep, it doesn't stand still," he said.

"Red Bull have a potential world champion in Max Verstappen and he is only going to get stronger with age."

The 2017 calendar draws closer to its conclusion next weekend with the Brazilian Grand Prix.