Hamilton makes firm F1 retirement approach

Lewis Hamilton has insisted he does not see himself opting to retire from F1 anytime soon if he wins another title with Ferrari.

The Briton has joined Ferrari this year after bringing an end to his highly successful tenure with Mercedes at the end of 2024.

Hamilton is seeking to become the first driver in F1 history to score eight championships, with his record-equalling seventh coming back in 2020.

Ferrari is being tipped to be a major contender at the front of the field this year as it looks to end its own title drought.

The Italian squad last secured an F1 title in 2008 when it triumphed in the constructors' standings, while Kimi Raikkonen's championship in 2007 remains the last time it has topped the drivers' table.

At 40 years of age, the remaining duration of Hamilton's F1 career is becoming a key question surrounding his future.

However, Hamilton has hinted he has no plans to walk away from the sport if he is still in a position to win another championship.

“If I was fortunate enough to win another title, which is obviously what we're setting out to do, I don't see myself stopping,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.

Hamilton accepts 'too early' to guess F1 pecking order

Hamilton has already had his first experience of Ferrari's new car as he took part in a shakedown at Fiorano earlier this week.

He will have another chance to gain experience with his new challenger at pre-season testing next week from Bahrain.

As he sets his sights on a successful maiden season with Ferrari, Hamilton has conceded it is too early to predict how the year will play out.

“It’s far too early to know what the year is going to be like,” he said.

“What we do know is it’s going to be very close between the top teams, we’ve not even seen all the other cars.

“We’ve obviously not been on track with all the other cars.

“To have this team all under one roof is quite a unique experience that I’ve not had before.

“To have a track outside the factory is quite incredible – to be able to roll out our car and put it on to track has been pretty incredible to see.

“We know we have a huge amount of work to do, I know that I have a huge amount of work to do. I’m still acclimatising.”