Lewis Hamilton reveals ongoing contract talks are an unwelcome 'pain in the backside' ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

Hamilton is on talks with Mercedes over an estimated £21m-a-year contract

Lewis Hamilton is in contract talks with Mercedes (Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton has described his ongoing contract issues as "a pain in the backside" as the reigning Formula One world champion has become mired in paperwork.

Following the Malaysian Grand Prix 11 days ago Hamilton claimed his new deal with Mercedes, worth an estimated £21million per year, was "99.6 per cent done" and was now in the hands of his lawyers.

But the fine print of the terms and conditions means the 30-year-old, who opted on this occasion - and for the first time in his career - to negotiate for himself without an agent, is becoming frustrated.

According to Hamilton it now means "it is unlikely" the contract will be signed ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Hamilton added: "Obviously at the last race I said it would be done within a week.

"This is my first time negotiating myself and you don't know how many times I've had to read about 80 pages.

"It is so much reading and it is all in lawyer jargon, so it has been quite a pain in the backside to be honest."

Hamilton finished second to Vettel in Malaysia (Getty Images)

Despite the issues with the new deal, Hamilton is favourite to return to the top step of the podium on Sunday at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Hamilton is a three-time winner at the venue - including last year - whilst he has finished in the top three on three other occasions.

Despite Ferrari winning their first race for almost two years last time out in Malaysia, with Sebastian Vettel at the wheel, the much cooler conditions in China should play into Mercedes' hands.

"Malaysia was a tough weekend," said Hamilton.

"It always is with the heat, but with car problems on Friday, rain during qualifying on Saturday and a race which didn't go to plan on Sunday, that one was particularly challenging.

"Ultimately we made the best choices we could, but there is always room for improvement and we've been working hard to analyse everything for this next race in China.

"The circuit is one I really enjoy and it suits my driving style quite well.

"I won the race last year and have only finished outside of the podium places twice, so the target is definitely to build on that and get back to the front."

PA