LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted to ‘often’ considering retirement as he ponders his long-term future in Formula One.
After a record-equalling seven world championships, the 36-year-old faces a huge fight to secure the 2021 crown amid his tussle with Max Verstappen.
There have been murmurs around the paddock for years that he will call it quits and focus on other aspects of his life, such as his love of music, when he moves on from motorsport.
But Hamilton has maintained that he is still fully motivated, while under contract until the end of 2023.
He told Sky Italia: “That thought often happens to me. It’s like a wave.
“It comes and goes, there have been many occasions in the last four or five years when I didn’t know if I still wanted to try, to sacrifice myself with training at the expense of my personal life.
“There are other things I like to do. So many things I would like to try.
“But on the other hand I tell myself that I am so lucky to be doing this job.
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“There can still be a lot of time left before retiring. It is a question of finding the balance.
“I tell myself that if I am still hungry and I train like I’m young, which I am doing, and if I still get great results…
“If I find myself slowing down, lacking the strength needed to train, and unmotivated, then I’ll know it’s time to stop.”
Hamilton holds a two-point lead over Verstappen going to the Turkish Grand Prix next month, following a victory at Sochi last time out.
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