London (AFP)
Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has announced that he may continue in Formula One beyond the expiration of his contract with Mercedes in 2023.
The 37-year-old Briton won six Drivers’ World Championships in seven years between 2014 and 2020, following his first success with McLaren in 2008.
But Dutchman Max Verstappen denied him his record eighth title last year, in a dramatic battle for the championship that lasted until the end of the season in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But the 2022 season has so far seen Hamilton lagging behind Verstappen, a Red Bull driver who appears to be on a steady path to retaining his title.
Hamilton’s current contract will keep him with Mercedes until next year, and with the prospect of a record eighth title, he told Vanity Fair he was “still on the job”.
“I would be lying if I said I didn’t think regarding the extension, I’m still on the job, I still love driving, I’m still challenged,” the Briton said. So I don’t really feel like I have to quit anytime soon.”
German four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement on the eve of last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
However, Hamilton said: “It doesn’t make me think regarding my future, but it’s a reminder that at this point in my career, the people I’ve come and raced with for a long time will start to stop.”
“Before you know it, Fernando Alonso will not be here, and who will be there following?” I think I will be the oldest.”
“But I’m thinking regarding how we can improve this car, what steps we have to take to get this team to win once more, what the roadmap is to win another world championship, and what we need to do to make everyone in this sport more compatible in terms of Diversity.”
