F1 champion Hamilton expects to have new contract by Monaco GP

After stating in Malaysia the new deal was "99.6 per cent done", the reigning champion's failure to put pen to paper in recent weeks sparked feverish speculation.

There have been rumours of a fall-out with Mercedes over money, and even a suggestion the 30-year-old could join Ferrari next year with his current Mercedes contract expiring at the end of this season.

Dismissing the claim of a deadlock with Mercedes, Hamilton told the British press: "That is not the case. It is utter bullshit, basically.

"All stories that have come out about money are generally bullshit."

Asked when matters would be finalised, Hamilton replied: "You'll see it in Monaco - I will have some news for you in Monaco."

If that is the case it will provide a good story for Hamilton ahead of a race he is again desperate to win after failing to beat team-mate Nico Rosberg for the past two years.

Rosberg triumphed from pole in 2013, and again contentiously so last year after an incident in qualifying that sparked a major fallout with Hamilton at the time.