I won’t quit F1 yet – I can race until 40
LEWIS HAMILTON has backtracked from claims he could quit Formula One – and admits he might even race on until he’s in his 40s.
In an interview published on the eve of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton hinted he may turn his back on motor racing and follow long-term rival Nico Rosberg into retirement.
The 32-year-old believes he can have a music career and also plans to scale Mount Everest, become a better cook and learn another language.
But three-times world champion Hamilton insists all that can wait for now – because F1 still gives him the biggest thrill.
The Mercedes ace, whose £30million deal expires next season, said: “I could easily do another three-year contract if I wanted to and I reckon I could go on for another one after that.
“If you look at Nico he didn’t want to give any more of his life to committing to being a racing driver.
“But I’ll always be a racing driver at heart so that’s quite an easy decision.
“People ask me what’s motivating you? I still want two more championships.
“I always wanted to emulate Ayrton Senna but then you set your sights on new goals, challenges and horizons.
“When I think about (Juan Manuel) Fangio, five titles sounds pretty good.
“Sebastian Vettel’s only one away from five so if I get to five he could easily equal that. Then I’ve got to get six.
“The human race is a greedy kind and we always want more. It’s not like I want more but I feel like I have more potential and it’s a constant journey to discover just what that potential is.
“There’s no real limit. The limit is a state of mind.”
Hamilton’s state of mind is far removed from recent seasons and his toxic rivalry with Rosberg.
The former childhood friends no longer share any bond and the mere mention of the German’s name prickles Hamilton’s ears.
But Rosberg’s sudden retirement – just five days after winning his maiden championship – coupled with Valtteri Bottas’s arrival at Mercedes has changed the Englishman.
The defeats do not appear to taste as bitter. His mood after qualifying only 13th at Monaco was one of a carefree individual.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff even believes Hamilton is in the best mental shape since he severed ties with McLaren five years ago.
But Hamilton said: “I’ve been in a good place for years with the team so I don’t feel any different to past times. But there’s a lot more harmony in the team than there has been before.
“These engineers and mechanics know that if they bring that extra five per cent it can make the difference between first or second.
“So there’s a completely different dynamic.”
Hamilton, who trails Ferrari’s Vettel by 12 points in the championship, could only come 10th in second practice at Baku yesterday.
Team-mate Bottas was second behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with Vettel finishing fifth.
TED TRACEY