LEWIS HAMILTON has sensationally hinted that he could retire – as he looks to break Michael Schumacher’s Formula One race win record today.
The Brit can overtake German legend Schumacher’s race win record if he takes victory at the Portugal Grand Prix.
But he has confirmed he will race in 2021 when he could potentially also become the most successful F1 racer ever with an eighth world title.
He levelled the race win record last time out when he notched his 91st chequered flag at the Eifel Grand Prix.
If he wins the F1 title this season he will seal a seventh world crown and match Schuey’s incredible feat.
But the Brit has now hinted that he could be ready to pack it all in at the age of 35.
Hamilton exclusively told Sky Sports: “I still want to continue to race but I don’t know how much longer it will be.
“It’s definitely not going to be a long time before I stop, so this is a period of time where I’ve got to slowly work out what the future holds.”
Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas has already agreed a new deal to stay with the German giants.
But both Hamilton and team chief Toto Wolff have not penned new deals.
The Hertfordshire racer reckons talks will begin when the season ends.
Hamilton, who won a sixth world crown last year, currently earns a reported £42million a year but this figure is expected to be slashed due to the Covid crisis.
He said: “I guess at some stage we have to sit down and have the conversation but it’s not a priority right now. Getting the job done this year, for me personally, is the priority.
“That’s what I’m solely focused on right now. When the time’s right we’ll do it and get on with it.”
On his ability to win more titles, he said: “I don’t think I’m at my peak. I’m in a good area, for sure.
“It’s bright, whatever I decide to do, but it also has to be aligned with the times, it has to be aligned with my values and it has to be aligned with what the team is planning to do.
“All I can say is that I plan to be here next year.”
Hamilton will start on pole position on Portimao’s F1 debut as he targets a record 92nd Grand Prix triumph.
