Lewis Hamilton says that he has five or six years left in racing, amid rumours that he could retire sooner rather than later. The Brit made headlines after winning the British Grand Prix when he stated that he did not know what frame of mind he would be in at the end of the year.
However, those rumours may now halt as the man himself has stated that he pictures himself racing for another number of years. His current contract with Mercedes runs out at the end of 2018, with the Silver Arrows willing to extend it further.
"I've got five, six years left of my career in racing," Hamilton said. "And after that I want to avoid becoming a commentator or a manager." [Then] I'm just going to continue to explore [my options]. And I guess it will come to me, what I'll do beyond my sport. I like creating with people, so having my own [clothing] line is hard to imagine. But doing capsule collections with different artists, I can imagine that. I think that would be kind of neat."
Hamilton also added that winning doesn't control his midset anymore: "One time I didn't leave my hotel room for four days, I was so stuck in my head. But now, with maturity and age, I've realised that winning isn't everything.
"It's very much about the journey, particularly in my sport. There are so many people on my team, and I've got to be conscious of them. So while winning is definitely the ultimate goal, the lessons learned when I don't win only strengthen me."
Fergal Walsh
Replies (5)
Login to replyWolfgang
Posts: 313
I don´t see him racing that long.
In nearly every interview i see him tired and bored by this media-stress in that F1 world, so i think he´s going to retire sooner than later.. It´s nearly like Michael in 2003/4 where he began to be fed up with all that stuff..
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
He's very contradicting but yeah, i cant see how he'd continue into his late 30s
talktohenry
Posts: 362
I agree WOLFGANG, he'll be done in 2 years.........
Smiler121
Posts: 53
I have a feeling his level of success will be a big factor, getting stuck in the wrong team at the wrong time like Alonso, for example during the next regulation change & he might get bored & leave.
Barron
Posts: 625
It's an interesting analogy and never mind the money aspect, I really respect Alonso for sticking to it like he has. It's not about the money, he already has more than he needs, but he genuinely seems to want McLaren Honda to succeed. Given similar circumstances, could we see LH with the same commitment? They are the 2 best drivers in the world (imo) but I don't think Lewis would have stuck it as long..