Lewis Hamilton admits there is currently “no guarantee” he will continue racing in Formula One beyond the end of the current season.
The Mercedes star took another step towards a record-equalling seventh world title on Sunday after sealing victory in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
The 93rd triumph of his illustrious career clinched a record seventh successive constructors’ title for the dominant Silver Arrows and came a week after Hamilton had moved clear of the great Michael Schumacher to set a new record for F1 race wins.
However, the Briton is out of contract at Mercedes at the end of the 2020 campaign and talks over an extension are currently on hold until both titles are successfully wrapped up.
Team-mate Valtteri Bottas is already locked in for next season at least, though Hamilton has now admitted that he could walk away from the sport in the near future to explore new opportunities.
“I don't even know If I am going to be here next year so it [Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff’s future plans] is not really a concern for me at the moment,” he said after a ninth win of the season in northern Italy.
"I would like to be, but there is no guarantee of that. There is a lot that excites me about Formula One's after life.
"We are in November and Christmas is not that far away. I feel great, strong, and that I could go on for plenty of months, but Toto mentioned about shelf life and there are multiple things on the top of my mind.
"I have been here a long, long time and I can understand him wanting to pull back a little bit and give more time to his family."
