At 37, Hamilton is the second-oldest driver on the F1 grid behind Fernando Alonso, having made his debut in 2007. Hamilton’s existing contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the 2023 season, but he has shown little sign of considering the next year. be the last in F1.
Mercedes team principal Wolff said in an interview with Channel 4 ahead of last weekend’s race in Singapore that he had no doubt Hamilton would extend his contract, revealing the Briton recently suggested he had “another five years.” In Myself”.
Hamilton spoke about his future at Suzuka on Thursday, saying that although he “can’t say yet” that he could continue for another five years, he was “feeling good” and enjoying his race.
“I love what I’m doing,” Hamilton said. “We have a lot of work to do and a lot to accomplish yet. I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”
Hamilton has been clear in his intention to not only see the remainder of his time racing in F1 with Mercedes, but also enjoy links with the manufacturer beyond his career as he works to improve diversity and inclusion across the company and in motorsports as an industry. .
Hamilton said it was “not set in stone” for how long he would continue to race, but talks about the 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 provides so many jobs for so many people, it has such a powerful platform to change narratives, it’s in a place to make a really positive impact on the environment looking forward.
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes W13
Photo by: Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
There are a lot of different things and I want to be part of that change and process of working with Mercedes well beyond winning races and championships.
“But for now, we want to win more championships. That’s the immediate focus.”
Hamilton is currently tied with Michael Schumacher for the record seven F1 world championships, having controversially lost his eighth title last year to Max Verstappen in the Abu Dhabi final.
But Hamilton said it was “more where I am in life” that would influence his decision on how much longer he would keep racing in F1, rather than his levels of success, believing there was a lot of work to be done to enact changes to the series. .
“I can’t retire now because I’m just embarking on helping to change and create a more open and inclusive environment here in the sport,” Hamilton said.
“I have to stay and help keep it going. I also feel healthier than ever, in terms of what I eat, how I prepare and I love running.”
“I’ve been doing 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 I can focus, why would I stop? And I can still do other things at the same time?”