Hamilton says he has no plans to retire from F1

Here is a story sports fans will want to follow: Hamilton says he has no plans to retire from F1Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lewis Hamilton is fifth in the drivers' championship, level on 51 points with fourth-placed Lando Norris ByAndrew Benson F1 Correspondent in MontrealPublished8 minutes agoLewis Hamilton says he has no thoughts about stopping racing in Formula 1 and insists he will "be here for quite some time". Hamilton's difficult first season for Ferrari in 2025 raised questions about his future in F1 and whether he could leave the sport at the end of this season. But Hamilton confirmed for the first time that he was "still contracted" to Ferrari for next season.

The seven-time champion, who is 41, said: "Everything is 100% clear to me. I am still focused, still motivated, still love what I do with all my heart. I am going to be here for quite some time.

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"There are a lot of people who are trying to retire me and that is not even in my thoughts. I'm already thinking about what will be next and planning for the next five years. I still plan to be here for quite some time.

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His comments about the length of time he sees himself in F1 would keep him into the sport until past his 45th birthday. Drivers very rarely stay racing in F1 for that long - although Hamilton's long-time rival Fernando Alonso turns 45 in July. The Spaniard's contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of this season and he is currently weighing up whether to sign a new one.

Reactions and Expectations

Hamilton had a torrid time in the second half of last season, several times expressing doubts about whether he still had the speed he used to have. This year he has started in a more competitive position relative to team-mate Charles Leclerc, who is third in the championship, eight points ahead of Hamilton in fifth after the first four races of the season. Leclerc is 4-2 ahead across all six qualifying sessions this season, including sprint events in China and Miami.

The Monegasque has an average pace advantage of just 0.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.