Reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton says he expects to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond 2021, as he prepares for the defence of his title.
Hamilton’s future was the subject of much speculation through 2020 as negotiations between the 36-year-old and Mercedes were delayed due to the pandemic and then his Covid-19 diagnosis.
Hamilton and Mercedes reached an agreement in February but the deal only covers the 2021 speculation.
When asked whether the one-year deal means 2021 could be his swansong Hamilton replied: “No, in the current position I am in I don’t feel like this is the end.
“Of course, we have got these changes that are happening next year, which are exciting. I think this looks like it could be the most exciting season yet; we’ve got new teams, new formats and it’s closer.
“I don’t feel like I’m at the end, but only the next eight months or so will let me know and I’ll find out if I’m ready to stop or not. I don’t think I will, personally. But you never know.”
Hamilton added that Formula 1 is “in the best place it’s been in terms of steps we are taking and what F1 is doing in terms of technology and creating a platform to work towards a better world.
“I love what I’m doing and I arrive more excited [to this season] than I have for a long time.
“I just said to [race engineer Pete] ‘Bono’ [Bonnington] that I’m excited to get going and we are going to have a really great battle one way or another. That’s what I’ve always loved.”
