Lewis Hamilton retirement talk resurfaces after Kimi Raikkonen called time on Formula One | F1 | Sport

Lewis Hamilton believes he hasn’t got “too much longer” in him as a Formula One driver in the wake of Kimi Raikkonen’s retirement announcement at the age of 41. Raikkonen revealed he would be stepping away from the series at the end of 2021, leaving behind a legacy that includes a championship, 21 wins, and over 100 podiums in his time.Valtteri Bottas has already been announced as a replacement for the Finn at Alfa Romeo, with 23-year-old George Russell emerging as his successor at Mercedes alongside the seven-time world champion Hamilton.Asked during an interview with Dutch broadcaster Ziggo whether he knows how long he wants to continue racing for, the 36-year-old said: “I don’t. I can’t imagine too much longer, but it could change.“Every year, you’re in a different place. Maybe we won’t be in a pandemic next year and things change.”I would say the pandemic has probably shortened my expectations of how long I would want to stay, but things could change.JUST IN:Lewis Hamilton’s former team-mate Jenson Button offers key advice“Let’s say my worst quality is probably that I hate losing,” continued the Briton, when asked what his best and worst attributes were.“I don’t know…for sure, I’ve definitely got bad qualities. Everyone has bad qualities. I’m really bad at communicating, I’m really bad at staying in touch with people, I have a really bad memory.“My best qualities? I would say…I like to think I’m really good with kids. I love kids and family.”The 36-year-old was then asked when would be the right time to think about children himself but was quick to point out that his dog Roscoe is enough work with a full-time career in Formula One.“Not while I’m racing. It’s hard enough with Roscoe! Roscoe is like my son. It’s hard enough just looking after him every day. I can barely look after myself.“I don’t know. It depends on what kind of world we’re living in at that time. It’s difficult times around the world.”The battle continues this weekend with round 14 at Monza, with the Italian Grand Prix adopting the same sprint qualifying format as the British Grand Prix.



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