Anyone hoping that Lewis Hamilton might be about to retire from Formula 1 had better brace themselves for a major disappointment, because the seven-time world champion insists there's no end in sight.
“I’m generally loving driving so I’m working on a plan," he told the official Formula1.com website this week. "I can’t tell you what that is just yet, but there is no limit to what we can do.
“In terms of my physical wellbeing, I feel the best I’ve physically ever been because I’ve been really focused on that as you get older,
"I get to be myself at this team," he said, explaining that it gives him freedom to pursue other projects like the Mission 44 foundation and becoming a co-owner in the NFL Denver Broncos team.
“I want to be creative and continue to do all the other things I get to do," he added. "It’s not just about winning, we can be part of the many people in the world that are trying to change the world for the better."
Hamilton also referred to team principal Toto Wolff as his "best friend" despite admitting there had been some strained relations in the past - including this year when things have not gone so well for the squad.
"We’ve had tough, tough times, we’ve had tough negotiations, there’s been emotional bursts, a rollercoaster of emotions together over the years," Hamilton acknowledged of his relationship with Wolff.
"But we’re like family. I want what’s best for him, he wants what is best for me." he said. “We always can jump on the phone and talk about whatever that is. Our values are aligned and our goals are aligned."
Contrary to speculation, Hamilton also insists that he's adjusted well to a change of team mates, After five seasons with the reliable Valtteri Bottas alongside him, George Russell is now on the other side of the garage.
“I just try to work with him as I did with Valtteri. When you add new people, it takes time to all get into the rhythm, but I think he’s done an amazing job.
"We got into a decent rhythm quite early on, and we’re continuing to work out any kinks there to continue to be on that rhythm.
“He comes in and slots in, he knows what to expect," Hamilton continued. "From my side I’ve just tried to be as welcoming and include him, trying to communicate a lot about the car, what can I test, what can you test?"
Hamilton said he had changed his approach to race weekends to be more focused on achieving success on the track and not getting distracted by anything else in the hyperactive F1 circus.
"I’m only here for one reason, that’s to win races," he commented. "I try to use up all the time.
"The quietest part of the day particularly is the end of the day as no one is around, and that’s where I have no distractions.
"I can go through the data and I’m in constant contact with the simulation team back at the factory, so while that is running I’m able to have live interactions with the driver who is driving there.
“I eat at the track," he continued. "I’m starting to wind down at the end, head back to the hotel, and then it’s a short time between going to sleep and waking up. That’s what I like.
"I have no desire to go to dinner and waste time yapping," he added. "That for me is all the distraction, so I don’t do that very often – if ever.”
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