Hamilton: no plans of staying around in F1!

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Lewis Hamilton says the day he quits Formula 1, he won't be sticking around the sport like most other drivers have done in the past.

In a interview streamed by UBS Formula 1, the three-time world champion, who was runner-up to Nico Rosberg last year, offered some insight into his future after Grand Prix racing.

While he remains as passionate as ever about the sport, and fiercely determined to take back the world crown, Hamilton insisted there will be a full life to live the day after he hangs up his helmet.

"I don't have any plans of staying around after my time," Hamilton said.

"There are a lot of drivers who seem to just hold on and stick around. I guess it's easier to do so because it is what they've known for their whole life.

"But I don't think that's particularly challenging. I will go off and do something else, and you probably won't see me. You'll see me doing something else, good or bad, and I'll give it all I've got

"There will be complete no challenges, that's what I'm working on now. Racing isn't everything, there will be other great things that I know I can do. But once I'm done with F1, I'm done."

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Asked about the importance of his legacy, the Mercedes driver admitted he hadn't given it much thought.

"Ultimately I want to be remembered, in my sport, as an out-and-out racer and as someone always wearing his heart on his sleeve, someone who dug deep always.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.