Motorsport News

HAMILTON HINTS THAT HE MIGHT CONTINUE TO RACE IN FORMULA 1

Mercedes racer says he isn’t going to follow his rival Vettel out of the exit door

- By Matt James

Seven-time World champion

Lewis Hamilton says he will keep racing while he has “fuel in the tank”, giving hints that he will remain in Formula 1 beyond the end of his current deal, which runs until the end of 2023.

The Mercedes driver has reacted to German Sebastian Vettel’s decision to quit the sport at the end of this term and realised that he might soon be the oldest driver on the grid.

“I think [Vettel’s retirement] is a reminder that I’m in that part of my career where people that I came up with and raced with for so long will start to stop,” Hamilton said. “Before you know it, Fernando will not be here. And then, who was there after that? I’ll be the oldest I guess! But, no, it’s not made me think about [retirement].

“I’m thinking about how I can improve this [Mercedes]. I’m thinking about what the steps I need to take to get this team winning again, what is the road map to winning another

World championsh­ip?

“When I talk about fuel left in the tank, I’m still fighting for those things and still feel like I’ve got plenty to go in that. If I stop, I will still have fuel in the tank,” he said. “I don’t think I will go until I’m completely burnt out and have nothing left. But, hopefully that’s a while off.”

 ?? Photos: Motorsport Images ?? Hamilton will not follow Vettel’s lead
Photos: Motorsport Images Hamilton will not follow Vettel’s lead

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