Reigning Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton has insisted there are no plans of him retiring at the end of this year after signing only a one-year deal to remain at Mercedes for 2021.
The world champion also confirmed he will continue to take a knee in protest against racism ahead of his title defence.
But the Briton said: ‘I don’t feel as though this is the end.
‘We have got regulation changes happening next year which are exciting, and this season could be the most exciting yet. We have new teams, new formats, and it is closer.
‘Over the next eight months or so I will find out if I am ready to stop, but I don’t think I will.
‘The position has nothing to do with whether we are or not winning the championship. I don’t quit when the going gets tough.
‘I wanted a one-year deal. I am fully committed to this sport.’ Formula One, meanwhile, have given the drivers freedom to take a knee, or to stand, in the pre-race ceremonials this season.
Hamilton said: ‘Last year it felt good to take the knee on a personal level to let the black community know I hear you, I see you and I stand with you.
‘We have an amazing platform here. I plan to continue to take the knee because it is important for young children who are watching. They can ask their parents or their teachers why we are doing that.’
This comes after Former Formula 1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone claimed Lewis Hamilton is “being used by the Black Lives Matter movement” over the Formula One star’s anti-racism stance.
The 90-year-old motorsport mogul also said in a recent interview that he would have ban Formula One drivers from taking a knee before races and would stop them from wearing anti-racism t-shirts on the podium if he were still in charge.
‘I’ve said to his father, “Lewis needs to be careful”. Because he’s being used by the people who are supporting this Black Lives Matter and they are taking a lot of money from it. And nobody knows where it goes.’
‘If I’d still been around there wouldn’t have been anyone wearing [anti-racism] t-shirts on the podium, that’s for sure.
‘One hundred per cent, there wouldn’t have been this business of kneeling before races.’
By Jide N.