With Lewis Hamilton’s current contract at Mercedes reaching its conclusion, what is the next step for the seven-time World Champion, and is it necessarily Formula 1?
Since breaking onto the scene at McLaren in 2007, Hamilton has been one of the leading drivers in the sport, with the 38-year-old having broken almost every record there is.
With 103 wins and 103 pole positions, Hamilton holds the record for most victories and most pole positions, as well as most rostrums on 192.
He’s certainly left his mark at the pinnacle of motorsport, with him being regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all-time, given that himself and Michael Schumacher are level on seven titles.
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An unprecedented eighth title would surely end any argument over who is the greatest of all-time, but until then it remains an open debate.
Hamilton broke yet another record recently at the Australian Grand Prix, where his second-place finish saw him claim a podium for the 17th consecutive season.
He certainly is an exceptional driver, who has defeated the likes of Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen over the years.
How much longer he’ll be in F1 is something which is currently being widely discussed, given that he has just eight months left on his current contract.
Hamilton and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff have expressed their intent on getting a new deal signed; however, some pundits have questioned whether Hamilton is waiting to see if Mercedes can close the gap to Red Bull first.
The 38-year-old has rejected these claims, though, and told Sky Sports F1 that: “I still have 100 per cent belief in this team, it is my family and I’ve been here a long time, so I don’t plan on going anywhere else.”
With Hamilton having a reported net worth of $285 million, according to Essentiallysports.com, does the Briton necessarily need to continue racing in F1?
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Money certainly isn’t a problem for the Stevenage-born driver, who has several other companies and partners that he works for.
Hamilton’s desire to remain in F1 certainly isn’t money-related and is instead due to loving what he does, with the Briton still targeting that elusive eighth world title.
News on his future will likely be revealed come the summer break, when ‘silly season’ typically gets underway.