LEWIS HAMILTON hinted he might not return for the next F1 season after a dramatic last-gap title loss to Max Verstappen.
The British superstar, 36, was caught on the final lap by his Red Bull rival in an astonishing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Mercedes man lost out on a record eighth world crown, which would have sealed his place as the greatest driver ever.
After the race, Hamilton said: “A big congratulations to Max and his team.
“I think we did an amazing job this year. My team worked so hard this whole year, it’s been the most difficult of seasons.
“We gave it everything and never gave up and that’s the most important thing.
“I’ve felt great in the car in the past couple of months. We’re still in the pandemic and I just want everyone to stay safe and spend Christmas with their families.
“We’ll see about next year.”
Hamilton claimed his first championship crown as a McLaren driver back in 2008 before moving to Merc to triumph again in 2014.
The Stevenage hero has won every year since then – apart from 2016 when he was pipped to the title by team-mate Nico Rosberg.
The German retired immediately after winning his first and only championship, leaving the way clear for Hamilton to dominate once again.
He now sits level on seven titles with the great Michael Schumacher and needs just one more for the outright lead.
