Hamilton says he will extend Mercedes deal this year

Monza, Italy: Lewis Hamilton said he has his Formula One future mapped out and will sign a contract extension with Mercedes later this year.

The triple world champion's current deal runs out at the end of 2018.

Speaking to reporters at the Italian Grand Prix on Thursday, the Briton acknowledged that title rival Sebastian Vettel's decision to stay at Ferrari until 2020 had clarified the situation.

"I don't know if everyone expected him to sign a three-year deal," he said. "But it doesn't really change much for me to be honest because I plan to extend with the team.”

Hamilton, who joined Mercedes from McLaren in 2013, is seven points behind Vettel in the current championship and will take the lead if he wins at Monza on Sunday in front of Ferrari's home crowd.

Vettel had been linked to Mercedes in media speculation, and the team's non-executive chairman Niki Lauda said last weekend there had been some contact as the German considered his options.

Wolff has denied there were any contract conversations with Vettel, a four-times world champion, and Hamilton said he had no doubt that the team was fully behind him.

"I am made aware of who contacts the team, and that is down to a really great relationship I have with Toto," said the driver.