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Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said on Sunday there were no guarantees that he would be in Formula One (F1) next season.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged it was a possibility, but told reporters separately that he hoped the Brit would stick with a team that has now won a record seven consecutive constructors ‘and drivers’ titles.
“I don’t even know if I’ll be here next year,” said Hamilton, a 93-race record winner and poised for his own seventh title, in response to a question about Wolff’s future.
Wolff, a shareholder in the team, has spoken of the succession at the top and wanting to hand over the reins.
Hamilton, 35, is out of contract at the end of the year and has yet to put pencil on paper on a new deal, although he is expected to do so.
Pressed by his comment, Hamilton, who won Sunday’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and has only teammate Valtteri Bottas left as title rival, continued: “I feel great and still very strong … but you mentioned about Toto and shelf life and there are many things that remain at the top of my mind.
“I would like to be here next year, but there is no guarantee of that for sure. There are many things that excite me from beyond (after the races), so time will tell. “
When asked in another informational video about Hamilton’s comments, Wolff attributed them to the heat and excitement of the moment.
The Austrian said he did not believe that Hamilton, the most successful driver of all time in terms of victories, was about to leave.
“I hope it doesn’t happen. I think we are going to have a pretty hectic driver market. [if it does]”, He added.
Nico Rosberg, a former teammate of Hamilton, surprised Mercedes when he announced his retirement days after winning the 2016 world championship.
“I think nothing is certain,” Wolff said. “Like Niki Lauda in the ’70s, I could wake up one morning on a Friday or Saturday morning on the track and just say that I wasn’t having fun anymore.
“I think that can happen to anyone, but we want to continue this journey. Lewis, me and the whole team, we are not done. “- Reuters
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