Ecclestone believes Hamilton will extend deal with Mercedes

Had things gone according to script, Lewis Hamilton would have by now signed a $100 million, three year contract with Mercedes, but for some reason the deal is not yet done, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes that the world champions will stay together.

Speculation regarding the delay and Hamilton's future was rife throughout the weekend in Bahrain, but Ecclestone when questioned by Martin Brundle about the matter was adamant, "He [Hamilton] is happy where he is.”

And when asked if the reigning world champion would stay with the German team, Ecclestone insisted, “Yes, yes.”

Hamilton and Mercedes claim that the delay is merely down to lawyer "ping-pong" as they put the final touches on what is expected to be a hefty contract.

Prior to the Bahrain weekend, Ecclestone declared cheekily that it "would be great to see Lewis at Ferrari" which did little to diffuse the wild reports.

Nevertheless there is an element within the paddock that believe that it is merely a matter of time before Hamilton joins Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari to form a super-team, provided the Maranello outfit can have a car that matches or betters Mercedes.

For now the smart money is on Hamilton remaining at Mercedes for at least a couple of years.