Lewis Hamilton dismissed suggestions that he is planning to retire from Formula 1.
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The seven-time world champion has experienced a lean spell since narrowly missing out on a record eighth title five years ago, claiming just two Grand Prix victories since then, both before his move to Ferrari last season.
Once vocal about not wanting to race into his forties, Hamilton turned 41 before the start of this season and is now the second-oldest driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso.
Despite his age, Hamilton made clear he has no plans to retire soon and suggested he could continue in F1 for several more years.
“I’m still in contract so everything is 100% clear to me,” Hamilton said in Montreal. “I’m still focused, I am still motivated, I still love what I do with all my heart.
“I will be here for quite some time, so get used to it. There’s a lot of people that are trying to retire me, and that’s not even in my thoughts. I’m already thinking of what will be next and planning for the next five years. But I still plan to be here for some time.”
Some of Hamilton’s peers have expressed frustration with F1’s new regulations and used the recent gap between rounds to race in other series. For example, Max Verstappen entered the Nürburgring 24 Hours and narrowly missed out on victory. Hamilton, however, said he is not especially keen to race outside Formula 1.
“I love the Nordschleife, so I would love to drive a car around there some stage,” he added. “And the racing looks fantastic. So I don’t know, could do [but] don’t need to.”
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