Lewis Hamilton has issued a defiant message about his long-term future in Formula 1, telling those who have called for him to retire to “get used to it”.
The seven-time World Champion has comparatively struggled for results ever since losing out on the title in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen at the final round of the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi.
Regulation changes and a dip in performance from Mercedes saw him pick up just one more win with the German marque, in his home Grand Prix at Silverstone in 2024.
And after switching to Ferrari, Hamilton has suffered even more, his debut campaign plagued by a problematic and self-described “alien” car.
2026 has brought some much-needed positivity, with his first podium in scarlet red coming at Shanghai, but the previous rwo rounds have seen him once again fall behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
It has led to a number of pundits and analysts questioning his future in the sport, many adding that the seat might be better-suited to Ferrari academy member, and current Haas driver, Oliver Bearman.
But it was fair to say that Hamilton, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, was having none of it.
“There’s a lot of people that are trying to retire me,” he told media, including Motorsport Week.
“That’s not even on my thoughts,”
“I’m already thinking of what will be next and planning for like the next five years, but I still plan to be here for some time.”
“I’m still in contract, so everything’s 100 per cent clear to me,” he said.
Hamilton added: “I still love what I do with all my heart, and I’m going to be here for quite some time.
“So get used to it.”
Hamilton will be banking on Ferrari to reverse its fortunes after a torrid weekend in Miami last time out, the Scuderia having been caught up by McLaren and Red Bull, having been Mercedes’ closest challengers before the five-week break.
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