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Lewis Hamilton hinted he is just days away from completing the richest British driver deal in Formula One history - and one of the biggest in the history of the sport.

Speaking in Kuala Lumpur the world champion said he was hopeful of signing on the dotted line before Sunday’s Malaysia race.

The 30-year-old is thought to be negotiating a three-year agreement amounting to close to £90 million.

It dwarves the deals done in past decades by Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, James Hunt and even the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart.

Only Sebastian Vettel, lured from Red Bull last year by a £35m Ferrari mega deal, is thought to be on more.

Hamilton will exceed the £25m contract signed by Fernando Alonso at McLaren-Honda after walking out on Maranello.

In Kuala Lumpur he said: “It is going back between the lawyers so hopefully it is done before the weekend. That would be great, but if not in due time.”

Mercedes are thought to have wanted to sign the Englishman on a five-year deal.

But given the vagueries of the sport and potential changes to the formula being negotiated between the teams and the FIA it is thought they have settled on a shorter term.

It is thought to have been broken down into a two plus one deal with a get out on both sides after the second season.

Mercedes are not keen for Hamilton’s contract to come up for renewal at the same time as teammate Nico Rosberg.

In pictures: Australian Grand Prix

Hamilton’s first three year contract runs out at the end of this season.

Talks on a new deal started early last year and the bones of it were agreed under XIX management.

But Hamilton himself, who dismissed Simon Fuller’s company last year, has negotiated the current agreement personally – and admitted he has found it hard going but illuminating.

Mercedes and Hamilton both agreed they would not hold talks with other parties until their talks had been concluded.

While every driver on the grid would undoubtedly love to be in a Mercedes Hamilton has also had his suitors, namely Ferrari,

As exclusively revealed by The Mirror he has been approached by Ferrari TWICE in recent years – including the current management.

But, in line with his agreement last year with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has refused to even begin discussions.