Lewis Hamilton hints at career change from F1 amid Mercedes struggles and questions over contract
LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted his admiration for other racing series, amid Mercedes’ struggles this season.
The seven-time world champion has achieved just one podium finish this season, with the Silver Arrows still struggling to adjust to new regulations.
Hamilton’s Mercedes contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
And although he still feels in his “prime” – last weekend in Miami the 38-year-old admitted to sometimes getting the itch to try something new.
He said: “I did a car swap with Tony Stewart years ago, which was fun.
“I’d love to try it [NASCAR] at some stage. It’s not a dream for me to go race another series, but I am an admirer.
“I’m a fan of racing and other sports. So I would like to try it. I’d love to swap with Valentino Rossi and try Moto GP.
“I sometimes watch IndyCar and would love to try one of those at some stage.”
Hamilton has been enjoying his time in the States since coming sixth in last weekend’s Miami GP.
He was spotted enjoying a sunny boat ride with popstar Shakira earlier this week.
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While he also sat courtside at the Los Angeles Lakers’ 122-101 play-off victory over the Golden State Warriors.
Hamilton sat next to Leonardo DiCaprio as he watched LeBron James and Co book their place in the Western Conference Finals.
Speaking to ESPN last month, the Formula 1 icon cited LeBron as a point of inspiration as he looks to get back to winning ways.
He said: “I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
“I’m not at the end of my career, I’m not in the downhill slope of my career. I’m in my prime. It all depends on how hard I want to work and keep myself in my prime, in terms of physical and mental capability.
“If you look at LeBron, if you look at Tom Brady, they have shown that it can be sustained for as long as you are dedicated enough to put the energy and time in.
“Right now, I don’t plan on changing, I only plan on adding to the drive and the motivation and to being better. I’m massively driven.”
Hamilton is set to return to action next weekend, when the Formula 1 season heads to Imola.