When asked about his future plans in Formula One, Lewis Hamilton responded that he doesn’t see himself anywhere else other than with Mercedes. The recently crowned three-time F1 Drivers’ Champion said to BBC Sport that he is targeting a retirement from the race track within three or four years after his current contract ends. He hopes to be signed up with his team until that time comes.
Quoting Hamilton’s interview, he stated, “I honestly can’t see myself anywhere else.” He added, “There was always that talk of driving another car, and I have done that—ticked that box off.” He further went on to say, “I don’t like to say never, but I think it would be pretty awesome to finish my career with this team.”
Doing some math, that would mean Hamilton is eyeing an exit from the sport by 2022 when he is about 37 years old. He will have 7 more chances to chase the championship.
If he were to maximize the opportunity or continue with his winning ways until his retirement, he could potentially break the championship record or even the overall career wins of F1 legend Michael Schumacher.
It should be noted that Schumacher held seven championships. He won the titles in 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002,2003, and 2004. He had 91 career victories and 155 podium finishes. Well, maybe the total wins of Schumacher will be very difficult for the Briton champ to surpass or even equal, but still narrowly possible at this rate.
The current championship record of Hamilton puts him in the same light as Sir Jackie Stewart, who won the titles in 1969, 1971 and 1973. The record of Hamilton also ties up with his idol Ayrton Senna who won the championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991.
F1 Drivers’ Champion in 1992 Nigel Mansell said in his interview with the same source that Hamilton should aim for the record of Schumacher.