At 37, Hamilton is the second-oldest driver on the F1 grid, behind only Fernando Alonso, and hasn’t missed a season since his debut in 2007. The Englishman’s current contract with his team runs out at the end of the season. of 2023, but he has given no signs that next year will be his goodbye to the highest category.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said in an interview with Channel 4 ahead of last weekend’s race in Singapore that he had no doubt Hamilton would renew his contract, revealing the Briton recently suggested he had another five years left. .
Hamilton spoke about his future at Suzuka on Thursday, saying that although he “can’t say yet” that he could go on for another five years, he was “feeling good” and enjoying racing.
“I love what I’m doing,” said Lewis Hamilton. “We have a lot of work to do and a lot to accomplish yet. I’m not planning on leaving any time soon.”
Hamilton has made clear his intention not only to be with Mercedes in his final years in F1, but to enjoy the links with the German manufacturer when he retires and continue to work on improving diversity and inclusion across the company and across the organization. automotive industry.
Hamilton said it’s “not set in stone” how long he’ll continue to compete, but talks about his future were “more about figuring out what we’re going to do.”
“I think Mercedes can do a lot, not just as a car manufacturer,” said Hamilton.
“It gives so many jobs to so many people, it has a very powerful platform to change narratives, it’s in a place to make a really positive impact on the environment going forward.”
“There are a lot of different things and I want to be part of that process of change and work with Mercedes well beyond winning races and championships.”
“But for now, we want to win more titles. So that’s the immediate goal.”
Hamilton is currently tied with Michael Schumacher for the record seven F1 titles, having controversially lost what would have been his eighth crown to Max Verstappen in 2021.
But Hamilton said what would influence his decision on how long to continue was more about “where I am in life” rather than his levels of success, and he believes there is a lot of work to be done to enact the change to the series.
“I can’t retire now because I have just started to help change and create a more open and inclusive environment in this sport,” Hamilton said.
“I have to stay and help keep that going. Also, I feel healthier than ever, in terms of what I eat, how I prepare, and I love running.”
“I’ve done it for as long as I can remember, since I was five years old, and that’s not going to go away.”
“If I’m still fit and able to focus, why would I give it up? And I can still do the other things at the same time.”
