Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that retirement is not on his mind at the moment as he looks to remain in Formula 1 for the foreseeable future.

The Briton plans to remain in the sport for at least the next three years, but has ruled out staying in the sport for as long as he can.

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Hamilton is as active off the race track as he is on it and has a jet-setting life style travelling all over the globe for multiple events in between races. The 32-year-old believes that his efforts off track require a lot of 'energy' and with the season getting longer – 2018 will see the drivers compete in 21 races – he will consider walking away before the next big rule change after the 2021 season.

The four-time F1 drivers' champion is contracted to Mercedes until the end of next season, but has confirmed that he will sign a new deal with the Silver Arrows team. He has already set his sights on a fifth world championship, but admitted that he is unlikely to match or beat Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles.

"I think about what is ahead of me," Hamilton said, as quoted on ESPN. "I have spoken to those who have retired early, those who retired late and everyone says stay in as long as you can. That's not going to happen."

"The seasons are getting longer and longer and you see the things I do outside, which take a lot of my energy and time. I'm enjoying what I'm doing now. I enjoy being with this team, I love racing and I still feel at the moment I'm driving at my best.

"While the car is in this form of rules until 2021 at least, I think that's going to be the window I'm still here. Who knows? Maybe in 2021 I'll hand the baton over to [Mercedes junior] George [Russell]. He'll be there anyway before then. I'm going to keep going," the four-time champion added.

Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton is yet to sign a new deal with Mercedes with his current contract ending after the 2018 season Getty