Lewis Hamilton will remain in Formula 1 for at least another three years after confirming a new deal with Mercedes on Wednesday in the Monaco paddock, taking him through to 2018.
But that won’t be his last contract, according to the Briton, who insists he’ll still be racing long after that, despite interests outside of the sport, including a possible career in music.
“That’s pretty young still, hopefully, which I’m grateful for,” he said when asked if he had another three years in him after he turns 33, the age he’ll be when his new deal comes to an end.
“So yes, definitely. I definitely see me continuing past that.”
Meanwhile the two-time champion says he never spoke to another team during his prolonged negotiations with Mercedes, which stretch back to November last year.
“I didn’t really at all,” he said. “I said to Mercedes from the get-go that I wasn’t planning to speak to anyone and I believe that they did the same.
“There was never any doubt, honestly. I was led to believe that the team wanted to continue with me and naturally with the success we’ve had and the relationship we have, it felt certain.
“That’s why I never, ever felt like a) I’ve got to sign on the dotted line now – kind of took my time and didn’t feel like I ever had to… kind of… I wasn’t being challenged elsewhere by another driver so… erm… which was a good thing.”
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