Lewis Hamilton says ‘no guarantee’ he will stay in Formula 1 next year with Mercedes contract expiring

Lewis Hamilton scored his 93rd victory at Imola, extending his record as the driver with the most wins. AP

Imola: Lewis Hamilton shocked Formula One on Sunday when, hours after winning the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, he admitted that he did not know if he would still be in the sport next season.

Speaking during a post-race press conference, the six-time world champion told reporters that “there was no guarantee” that he would continue, adding that “there are many things that excite me with life after the race, the time will tell! “

Hamilton’s career-record 93 victory in Sunday’s race secured Mercedes ‘seventh consecutive constructors’ title, an achievement he attributed to the team’s “forgotten heroes” and the leadership of team boss Toto Wolff. .

Both men are out of contract at the end of this season and for that reason are the subject of much speculation.

When Hamilton was asked if Wolff’s likely departure from his current job next year would have something to do with his own decision, he said he was not concerned.

“I don’t even know if I’ll be here next year so it’s not a concern for me at the moment,” Hamilton said.

He later clarified his position when he added: “I would like to be here next year, but there is no guarantee of that for sure. There are many things that excite me about ‘life after death’, so time will tell.” .

The 35-year-old Hamilton is almost certain to claim his seventh drivers’ title in Turkey, which equals the record, in two weeks, at the level of Michael Schumacher.

He has many interests outside of motorsports, including fashion, music and human rights, and has often said that he plans to remain active when he retires.

His only remaining rival, teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished second with a Mercedes one-two on Sunday, must beat him by eight points to prolong the title fight.

Wolff has said that he wanted to step back and spend more time with his family and admitted he was looking for a possible successor to his position.

“I understand and we have a lot of deep conversations, Toto and I, so I’m very, very aware of where he is mentally, and I think we share and carry a lot of weight together,” explained Hamilton.

“I’ve been here for a long, long time and I can definitely understand wanting to go back a bit and give time to things like family and stuff.

“I don’t know who will replace him. He is a leader. He is not going to put anyone who cannot do the job, who is not up to the task. He will find the right people.”

“That’s why we are as successful as we are, because he found the right people and put them in the right places, in the positions to be able to shine as brightly as possible.”

He added that he felt strong and fit and could continue.

“Well it’s November and it’s crazy that Christmas isn’t that far off.

“I feel great and I feel very strong. I feel like I could go on for many months, but you mention Toto and shelf life, so there are several things that remain on my mind.”