Hamilton reveals retirement 'evaluation' every season

Lewis Hamilton has revealed at the end of each F1 season he evaluates all future options - including retirement.

The seven-time champion has returned to Mercedes for the new campaign, fuelled by the controversial ending to last season in which Max Verstappen made the most of a contentious safety car period to overtake him on the final lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had cast doubt on Hamilton's return over the winter in the aftermath of the race, such was the 'disillusionment' of both team and driver, while the Briton even went on a social media blackout throughout the break.

But fears of Hamilton leaving were quashed when he took part in Mercedes' launch for the W13 before turning out in Barcelona testing, with the 37-year-old seeming as fired-up as ever for the new year.

Asked if there was ever a thought in his mind he would walk away at the end of last season, Hamilton responded: "Naturally, at the end of any season for those who are around my age, of course you are thinking about the future.

"You are thinking about what are the next steps, what are the right steps for you to take, what is right for you in terms of overall happiness.

"I always evaluate all my options but I did make a commitment to the team earlier on in the season."

Hamilton insists he still loves the job and being a part of a Mercedes team that last year extended its record for consecutive constructors' title victories to eight.

"I know I say it so many times but I love working with everyone towards a common goal," added Hamilton. "I feel like I am at my best so why do I need to leave.

"There are so many ways you can refocus and get recentred and I would say this one was one of the best that I have experienced so I feel the freshest I feel I ever have."

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