Mercedes now appears ready to announce its 2018 driver line-up.
At Paul Ricard, Lewis Hamilton gave the strongest indication yet that his long-delayed new contract with Mercedes may finally be ready to sign.
'We will announce it soon'
"It's going to be done and I think soon," said the world championship leader.
READ: Ricciardo waiting for Hamilton to sign - Marko
And although there have been rumours about Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon, it is expected that if Hamilton is re-signed, so too will be Valtteri Bottas.
"We do not want to delay anymore. We will announce it very soon," team boss Toto Wolff is quoted by Finland's Iltalehti.
He has made clear that Mercedes wants Hamilton to stay, adding: "Valtteri is doing extraordinary work, and there is currently no reason to change the lineup."