‘Nothing is set in stone’ but Hamilton insists he is not finished with F1 yet

Lewis Hamilton says “nothing is set in stone” regarding his Mercedes contract but insists his focus remains on continuing to race in Formula 1 beyond the end of the 2020 season.

After the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Hamilton said there was “no guarantee” that he would stay in F1 with Mercedes next year, an admission which caused a stir and led to much speculation over the six-time world champion’s future.

But Hamilton has since given a strong indication that he will continue with Mercedes, explaining that he is likely to negotiate fresh terms once he has wrapped up a seventh world title, a feat he can achieve as early as this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix.

"I think it's something we'll do, if not after the job is done, then particularly at the end of the year,” Hamilton said when he faced the media at Istanbul Park.

"But nothing is set in stone. I think it's just about talking about it and at the moment, I don't feel like I'm finished.

"I think there's always areas to improve. I love racing, I love the challenge and I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.”

Hamilton explained that his contract goes beyond simply racing in F1, revealing the reasons behind the current delays over a renewed deal.

"I believe I have the best contract that there is, in terms of how it's structured and in terms of time management," he said. "With the team that's put around me, I think it's been great.

"But I'm always looking to see how we can improve. How can I be more efficient and do more for the partners? How can I position myself to do more for the team?

"Naturally, I think it's easy just to go and sign that deal and continue not having to think of what's afterwards. And I'm very conscious of the idea that I do want to continue with Mercedes, I would love to help them on this quest in pushing for change.

"They are taking their cars green, and electrifying more, and I want to help them on that road. I would like to help them in terms of pushing for diversity, because that's also within the organisation, as with every organisation out there. There is not enough of it. So there's a lot to discuss, and a lot to go through.”