Seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, has been in the motorsport for more than a decade. In the past decade, he achieved numerous accolades and scripted history by equalling Michael Schumacher’s all-time championship-winning record. Today, he is regarded as one of the best drivers to ever exist in the sport.
Lewis Hamilton turned 38 this year, and his contract with Mercedes is coming to an end this season. While an extension is on the cards, the delay in consensus has raised suspicions about the British driver’s retirement plans. Undoubtedly, Hamilton is currently on the last stretch of his illustrious career. So what’s actually keeping him from calling it quits?
Lewis Hamilton’s Father Opens Up On The British Driver’s Retirement Plans
The rumor mill is filled with speculations over Lewis Hamilton’s future. While Mercedes has confirmed an extension contract is coming through, the delay in announcement is leading to wild theories. Earlier, a few media reports suggested that Hamilton is jumping ships to Ferrari. However, the Briton has asserted his loyalty towards the Brackley-based team. Having said that, what the future actually holds for the seven-time F1 world champion? Amid these uncertainties, Anthony Hamilton, the Briton’s dad, opened up on his son’s retirement plans and revealed what is pushing Lewis Hamilton to continue in F1.
Anthony Hamilton, while speaking to Channel 4, said that the only aspect responsible for Lewis Hamilton’s prolonged career in Formula One is his love for racing. As long as he keeps enjoying driving, he will keep racing in F1. The day Lewis falls out of love with racing, he calls it quits without a second thought. Earlier, Lewis Hamilton also opened up on his retirement plans and said that the thought crosses his mind every now and then due to the amount of traveling involved. However, once he sits in the car, the thrill kicks in, and all woes cease to exist. Moreover, in another interview, Hamilton confirmed having still five years of racing left in him. All things said and done, the British driver is here to stay and won’t be quitting anytime soon.
Lewis Hamilton Reportedly Declined Ferrari’s Mega Offer
Amid contract uncertainties, reports claim that Lewis Hamilton was offered a contract from Ferrari. Apparently, the brand’s president John Elkann, personally contacted the British driver to lure him into his side. However, Hamilton politely declined the offer as he wanted to continue his stay with Mercedes. The Silver Arrows has given Hamilton a lot, and it’s time for him to prove his loyalty during testing times.
It’s worth noting that it’s just rumored, as neither of the parties has come forward to confirm such kind of verbal exchange. Meanwhile, Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, earlier claimed that the negotiations related to Hamilton’s contract extension are done and dusted. Only the legalities remain, and the lawyers of both sides are working on it. Wolff confirmed that it’s only a matter of time before things get finalized. If rumors are to be believed, Lewis Hamilton could sign a contract for anywhere between two to five years.