Only time will tell if George Russell will pick up the baton from Lewis Hamilton, but regardless of his new teammate's future success at Mercedes, the seven-time world champion doesn't see himself racing in F1 "too much longer".
The 2022 season will usher in a new era for Formula 1, with the onset of an entirely new regulation platform. But next year could also mark a changing of the guard at Mercedes, with Russell expected to challenge the team's incumbent mega star from the outset.
Hamilton's motivation and love of the sport are intact, but the 36-year-old knows that all good things must come to an end.
Asked in an interview with Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport if he knows how much longer he'll be racing at the pinnacle of motorsport, Hamilton replied: "I don't. I can't imagine too much longer, but it could change.
"Every year you're in a different place," he added. "Maybe we won't be in a pandemic next year and things change.
"I would say the pandemic has probably shortened my expectations of how long I would want to stay, but things could change.
"What I do know is right now I love doing what I'm doing. I love still being here and hopefully deserve to still be here."
Responding to fans' questions in the interview, Formula 1's 99-time record Grand Prix winner was also asked about his best and worst qualities as an individual.
"Let's say my worst quality is probably that I hate losing," Hamilton quipped.
"I don't know… For sure, I've definitely got bad qualities. Everyone has bad qualities. I'm really bad at communication, I'm really bad at staying in touch with people. I have a really bad memory.
"My best qualities? I would say… I like to think that I'm really good with kids. I love kids and family."
©Instagram/LewisHamilton
However, Hamilton made clear that founding a family isn't on the cards as long as he's racing.
"Not while I'm racing. It's hard enough with Roscoe! Roscoe is like my son. It's hard enough just looking after him every day. I can barely look after myself.
"I don't know. It depends what kind of world we're living in at that time. It's difficult times around the world."
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