Lewis Hamilton is excited about what lies ahead with Mercedes - even if he was nonplussed about actually getting the protracted deal over the line.
The reigning Formula One world champion has been the subject of intense speculation this season, having been locked in negotiations since the turn of the year.
Now, though, the focus can return to the track after Hamilton and Mercedes struck a lucrative deal until the end of the 2018 campaign.
The 30-year-old took his time poring over the details, saying he never felt in a particular rush or like the negotiations were impacting his performance.
"I don't (feel any sense of relief)," Hamilton said, speaking on the eve of first practice in Monaco. "I don't feel any different to the last race.
"There will always be other contracts - not racing ones, whether it be sponsors or whatever.
"But I guess sitting here, waking up this morning knowing that contracts will be announced today, thinking another four years here. I'm excited.
"It's an exciting feeling - a real positive feeling. It's solidified. I don't have to worry about it, don't have to give it a second thought - it is how it is and now I can go away and work towards my goal."
Hamilton cut a relaxed figure when talking about the contract, reported to be worth up to £100million - a deal which would see him become Britain's highest-paid sportsman.
Despite such exorbitant figures being bandied around, the Stevenage-born driver says he cannot remember celebrating the news - although he thinks he may have toasted with a celebratory glass of wine.
"Different people like to do things differently," Hamilton said.
"With me it's kind of exciting, but I am so happy I get another three years in Formula One after this in a great team with a great contract and a team that really believe in me and hopefully with an amazing car.
"To continue in the sport, that's the single most incredibly special thing - that I'm going to be driving these amazing cars, my own car built and designed for me.
"It's very, very cool, but I'm just chilled. I'm not going to go out screaming and yelling like I just got a jump shot from the halfway line."
Instead, Hamilton is focused on continuing the solid start to his title defence in Monaco.
He has won three of the opening five races, although Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg pipped him to victory last time out in Spain.
"I arrive here just doing another new race," Hamilton said when asked about his approach this time.
"I'm mostly focused on areas that I need to improve on, so it's an opportunity, another chance.
"I've only won here once in 2008 and that wasn't even a perfect weekend then, so I'm still struggling for that perfect kind of weekend.
"There are some, that the drivers here have had over the years, so I'm looking for that."
Source: PA
