Hamilton not eyeing Schumacher record...yet

Lewis Hamilton has admitted it would be 'quite cool' to match the five world championship wins of Juan Manuel Fangio but thinks that the seven of Michael Schumacher could be out of reach, even if he did not fully rule out the possibility of matching the success of the F1 legend.

The 2017 season saw Hamilton claim his fourth F1 title which puts him level with Alain Prost and his current rival, Sebastian Vettel. There has been plenty of speculation as to when he will retire as he has continually spoken about not wanting to be behind the wheel for many more years, but when it comes to equalling records, the Englishman is determined.

“We definitely have more championships to win together,” he told reporters in Paris this week at the championship gala.

“It’s taken me 10 years to achieve this four. I currently still don’t have that desire to match it (Schumacher’s seven). Matching Fangio would be quite cool. Given that I’m going to be here for at least another couple of years, that’s my goal. To try and at least get that."

Hamilton went on to reiterate his desire to not outstay his welcome in Formula One competition, but admits that he could change his mind and continue driving for an extended period if the passion is still there.

“When I was younger I thought I would have a family at 28 and I got to 28 and it all shifted, "he continued.

"So it’s difficult to say never.

“Maybe in a couple of years’ time, I’ll be like: Gee, I want to do another 10 years. I really hope that that’s not the case,” he laughed, “Because then I’ll be with you guys when you’re in Zimmer frames.”

“I love the racing. There’s definitely bits that I don’t love about some of the surrounding stuff, but being in the car, and working with the team, there’s nothing quite like it.”