Lewis Hamilton has called on the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association to clarify plans which could see the salary in his next contract take a significant hit.
Hamilton is into the final months of his contract with Mercedes but is in no rush to finalise a new deal.
The six-time world champion is highly likely to remain with the Brackley-based team but this week plans were announced which will see teams restrict driver salaries to £22million between the two drivers.
Hamilton's current deal is worth around £35million a year and he stands to lose out the most from the salary cap.
"It was the first we heard of it this week," he said. "I didn’t know a cap was being discussed.
"From a driver’s point of view it is a surprise.
"It is important that the GPDA (the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association) work closely with Formula One on how we move forward."
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton revealed talks over a new deal first started in August 2019.
"Naturally I think already last year, in Hungary last year I think Toto [Wolff] was talking about signing a contract," said Hamilton.
"Of course the pandemic wasn't then and you look back and you're like maybe I should have signed it then.
"But the thing is I just think things happen at the right time and I definitely wasn't ready mentally at the time.
"I wanted to give myself the space mentally to really think about what I want to do, think if there's any adjustments for me and for the team, how can we get more out of each other - how can I give them an easier time."
