Hamilton expects to stay in F1 until 2020

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton is unsure he will hang around to see power unit rule changes in Formula One in 2021.

Published : Dec 09, 2017 17:39 IST

Lewis Hamilton needs three more F1 titles to match the all-time record of seven set by Michael Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton needs three more F1 titles to match the all-time record of seven set by Michael Schumacher
lightbox-info

Lewis Hamilton needs three more F1 titles to match the all-time record of seven set by Michael Schumacher

Reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton expects to remain in the sport until at least 2020. Hamilton's contract with Mercedes is due to expire at the end of next season, though he is believed to be set for negotiations over a renewal in the coming weeks.

However, rule changes regarding power units will kick in from 2021 and the Briton, who claimed his fourth title this year, is unsure he will hang around to experience them.

"I think about what is ahead of me," he told Motorsport.tv show The Flying Lap. I have spoken to those who have retired early, those who retired late and everyone says stay in as long as you can. That's not going to happen.

"The seasons are getting longer and longer and you see the things I do outside, which take a lot of my energy and time.

Read: 5 things to watch out for in 2018

"I'm enjoying what I'm doing now. I enjoy being with this team, I love racing and I still feel at the moment I'm driving at my best.

"So while the car is in this form of rules until 2021 at least, I think that's going to be the window I'm still here."

Remaining in the sport until the end of the 2020 campaign would give Hamilton a chance to match Michael Schumacher's record of seven title triumphs, but that is not a target for him.

He said: "This is crazy, people around me are now saying: 'You've got to get eight.' I've only just got four. It's one step at the time."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment