Lewis Hamilton says an eighth Formula 1 World Championship won’t be the deciding factor over whether or not he continues in Formula 1.
Hamilton narrowly missed out on an eighth title last year, with Max Verstappen dramatically overtaking him on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Briton conceded after last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that he was not in the 2022 title fight amid Mercedes’ difficult start to the season.
Hamilton failed to score points at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last weekend, while in Saudi Arabia, he picked up a solitary point in 10th.
The results have heavily dented his title aspirations early on in the campaign, as he is currently 58 points down on Championship leader Charles Leclerc.
An eighth title would put him clear as the all-time record holder for the most F1 World Championships in the sport’s history – however Hamilton denies that it is the main factor that will decide his future in the sport.
“That’s firstly a really tall order,” Hamilton said when asked about winning the 2022 title. “And that’s not something that’s immediately at the forefront of my mind.
“I think we’re all sent these challenges through our through our journeys and through our lives and this is one that I’m really enjoying.
“I’m really enjoying spending more time with the team, deeper dives into engineering, into aero characteristics, development of the simulator and the simulation tools.
“I think it’s enabled me to become even more involved in development which is exciting.
“I think I still feel fresh and still feel young, to be honest, even though I’m around all these youngsters here.
“So, I don’t think that’s going to be the deciding factor whether I continue or not. I plan to be here.”
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