Then there is Toto Wolff himself. The Austrian is currently embroiled in his own negotiations with parent company Daimler regarding his future role.
Earlier this year, Wolff discovered life beyond F1 which opened his eyes to the possible dilution of his current position, with matters made more complicated by the fact he is a 30 per cent shareholder of the Mercedes F1 team.
Hamilton has developed a strong, comfortable bond with Wolff over the years, to such an extent the last time they sat down together to discuss terms on the current deal it was conducted in the former's apartment in Monaco, and over a pizza.
Wolff has at least informed Hamilton he has no intention of leaving Mercedes. Knowing he will be in place in some capacity will at least have been reassuring to the six-time F1 champion.
The primary issue, of course, is the terms of the new deal. Hamilton is understood to earn in the region of the $30-35 million per year. As with any new contract, it is reasonable to assume Hamilton would like a pay rise in recognition of not only his length of service with the team but also his astonishing success, claiming the record for the most number of race victories from Schumacher this year, whilst also matching the legendary German's title-winning milestone.
At any other time, this contract would likely have been signed a long time ago. The problem for Daimler is the uncertain nature of a COVID-affected future. Like any business, it has to cut its cloth accordingly, and the car industry has naturally been severely affected.