Unemployed F1 star Lewis Hamilton considering switch to Formula E as all-electric sport is the ‘future’
UNEMPLOYED Lewis Hamilton has previously revealed he’s thinking about racing in Formula E – but only once his F1 career is over.
The joint-record seven-time F1 champion is out of contract at Mercedes and is yet to agree terms over an expected two-year deal worth £40million a season.
But the star has already said he is thinking about what series he races in next.
Speaking at an event two years ago at Silverstone to mark Mercedes-Benz’s 125th year in motorsport he was quizzed about his future in racing.
And the 36-year-old,who is spending his time during his ’embarrassing’ Merc stand-off in his wilderness hideout in the United States, hinted he could follow in the footsteps of fellow Englishman Gary Paffett in to all-electric series, which Mercedes will join next season.
He said: “That is something I have kind of been debating. Up until now it has always been about Formula One.
“But I just drove an old DTM car today, which I really loved. I rarely get to a track these days and have some fun, so that experience was extraordinary.
“It was so cool driving my 2015 car and then the 196. It was a unique experience.
“Being that I have been racing since I was eight years old, I am going to have massive withdrawal symptoms, like every driver has when they stop racing, when Formula One stops for me.
“There are other things to do. I guess there are other series I could do. Fernando Alonso is doing Indycar and you see Kimi Raikkonen still pushing the boundaries.
“I actually grew up in the same era as Gary Paffett.
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“He is a little bit older than me and he is now racing in Formula E and that is now going to be the future.
“So, who knows, in the future that’s maybe an area where I can use my skills but as you get older, it is more challenging to find the motivation to stay focused and you have to find something you love.
“I am pretty sure I will always love cars, and for now I am going to try and stay in Formula One, so long as I stay focused and fit, I will carry on driving the best that I can.”