LE CASTELLET – Lewis Hamilton could continue in Formula
One for another five years and break Michael Schumacher's records in
the process, according to Mercedes motor sport chief Toto Wolff.
"Provided he stays motivated and energised, he has another four, five
years in him," Wolff told Saturday's edition of Britain's Daily
Telegraph paper.
"The Schumacher record, the seven titles, is certainly in the back of
his mind. The reason he's not saying it is because there's a sixth in
between."
Hamilton, 31, has won four of his five world titles at Mercedes, and
is 29 points clear of team-mate Valtteri Bottas heading into Sunday's
French Grand Prix.
He could equal Schumacher's record seven titles during his current
Mercedes contract which runs until next year; and with 78 race wins
he is just 13 shy of Schumacher's 91.
Hamilton is yet to decide on his future beyond 2020, saying that will
also depend on the new f1 regulations to be introduced from 2021
onwards.
Wolff said that Hamilton has matured over the past years since
joining Mercedes in 2013 – in succession of Schumacher.
"He has been growing each year, with fewer emotional swings. He is
more stable now, and very well-integrated in the team," Wolff said.
"Overall, I have been most impressed by his personality development.
It's one of his strongest assets when I look around at the other
drivers."