Retirement not on Hamilton mind as fourth title beckons

MEXICO CITY: Lewis Hamilton hailed one of his "best drives" on Friday despite being outpaced by Daniel Ricciardo during second free practice for this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix, where on Sunday he hopes to claim his fourth drivers' world title.

The 32-year-old Briton, who spun and ruined a set of tyres at Turn 11 early in the session, said his recovery and consistency in the remainder of that practice had seen him produce a drive that was "one of the best I have every done."

Earlier, he had suggested that a fourth world title would not usher him towards retirement and hinted that he is likely to remain in the sport for the next few years.

"I can easily imagine myself without Formula One, but it is not about that right now," he told reporters.

"There are some really cool things coming along that are going to complement where I am in Formula One."

He declined to elaborate on his plans, but conceded that he had been in Los Angeles earlier in the week to discuss "creations" he was working on.

"I definitely won't be here at 40," he said. "I don't think that is going to happen, but it changes all the time.

"There have been times when I thought I am happy to move on, but you can't come back.

"I can't tell you how long I will be here for, but eventually I will figure it out and know when the time comes. I anticipate a couple more years at least."

Hamilton said also that he would not consider winning a fourth title elevated him beyond his childhood hero Brazilian Ayrton Senna, who had won three championships before his death in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

"Ayrton's life was cut short and I think, had he the opportunity to continue and race in safe conditions, he would have continued to win more championships.

"I don't look upon him and think that I am better because I have more wins and championships and poles, but I feel very proud for my name to be mentioned alongside his name -- and that's all."