Hamilton backed for five more years in F1

Lewis Hamilton could continue his stunning Formula 1 career for another five years, according to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Hamilton is yet to commit his future to F1 beyond the end of the season and has previously spoken of his uncertainty about continuing when regulations change in 2021.

Hamilton was widely expected to pen a new deal with Mercedes in pre-season, but the deal will not be signed ahead of the British Grand Prix - 2018's 10th race of 21.

Both driver and team have insisted that renewing terms is just a matter of time, however, with Niki Lauda suggesting that Hamilton and current team-mate Valtteri Bottas will both be retained next year.

Wolff has a long-term view, however, seeing no reason why the four-time world champion could not stay in F1 long enough to potentially challenge the records of Michael Schumacher.

"In my opinion, he is 33 years old now and I think he has another five very good years in him. That is what the statistics say," Wolff said.

"I am open-minded. If in two years' time we still feel the same about each other, have trust, I think it will be clear that we continue."

Hamilton's interests away from the track appear stronger than ever, having signed on to design a string of clothing collections for team sponsor Tommy Hilfiger and reportedly featuring on a track on Christina Aguilera's new album under the pseudonym XNDA.

Wolff was forced into quick action two winters ago when Nico Rosberg announced a shock retirement after winning the championship and he says he would not be surprised if Hamilton follows suit.

"I think probably all of us are a little bit similar...we all could walk away from what we do today," Wolff added.

"And that's why I think he's reflecting about that: 'I love it, but what happens when one day I wake up and don't love it any more? When would that be? When could that be? When would I walk away?"