Three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said he’s in the best shape ever despite being at an age where drivers normally look towards retirement.
Hamilton, in his 11th year in Formula One, has 17 months remaining on his contract at Mercedes and intends to continue racing beyond 2018.
The 32-year-old reportedly offered to resign after last year’s Spanish Grand Prix when he crashed with former teammate Nico Rosberg, but is now set to finish his career at Mercedes.
“I’m going to keep going until the day I get in the car and I don’t feel the love. If I get in the car and I feel this is a job… then I think that’s the time to stop…,” he said.
“I think I’m very conscious of how long or short a career can be. My age, obviously, I am not the youngest driver anymore, but I’m making sure I live and live to the maximum… I’m the fittest I’ve ever been which I would not expect at 32.”
Hamilton is in his fifth season with Mercedes and has gone on to seal 34 race wins and two championships.
In that time, he has undergone a rigorous fitness programme to prepare himself for the gruelling 21 race calendar for the season.
“I would expect I would have been fitter when I got to Formula One. But I’ve prepared myself better than ever, I’m more calm in myself, even more confident in myself and my own abilities…
“My results speak for themselves… It doesn’t matter what you say about me. It’s not going to stop me from racing, it’s not going to stop me from being who I want to be and who I am.”
Hamilton is currently second in the drivers’ championship, 14 points behind leader Sebastian Vettel.