'Hamilton can emulate Schumacher, Mansell'

Lewis Hamilton can match Formula 1 legends like Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell by continuing his career at the highest level into his late 30s, and possibly even his 40s. That's the view of Formula 1 team official turned pundit Tony Jardine, who believes the reigning champion is only getting better.

Hamilton won a fifth world title in 2018, with only Schumacher now ahead of his in terms of drivers' championships and grand prix victories.

The 33-year-old is contracted to Mercedes until 2020 and has suggested that his future in the sport could depend on how Liberty Media implement new regulations slated for 2021.

If the competition remains the pinnacle, however, Jardine expects Hamilton to remain in action – as well as succeeding.

"I personally think that he's one of the guys that as he gets older, he gets better," Jardine told Express Sport.

"I just think at 35, that's still absolutely fine. You have to look at Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell, they were up into 38, 39. Mansell [was] 40.

"That's a bit past it now and even Schumacher was back in at 38.

"I still think he will be absolutely in his prime and his quote for me was, 'I was born to race and win'. That's what he does.

"No matter how much he loves his fashion and his music and all those other things, I think it would be a big chunk out of his life.

"So, in these two years if things go really well, I can see him signing for another two after that."

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