Lewis Hamilton vowed to be in Formula One for a long time despite people “trying to retire me”.
The seven-time world champion still awaits his first Ferrari victory four races into his second season and his relative struggles have raised questions over his future beyond this campaign.
Hamilton claimed his one and only podium for the Scuderia in China in March and sits fifth in the standings – while Ferrari have not won since Mexico in October 2024.
It is expected to be a particularly busy driver market and talk has inevitably turned to next season – with rumours around Hamilton and Ferrari’s future one of the hottest topics.
But the 41-year-old insists his future is clear in his mind.
“I am still under contract so everything is 100 per cent clear to me,” Hamilton said ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.
“I’m still focused, I’m still motivated and I still love what I do with all my heart.
“I’m going to be here for quite some time so get used to it. There are people that are trying to retire me and that is not even in my thoughts.
“I’m already thinking of what will be next and planning for the next five years but I still plan to be here for some time.”
Haas’ Oliver Bearman, part of the Ferrari driver academy, is one of the many names talked about in connection with replacing Hamilton.
But Hamilton’s focus remains on Formula One and turning around Ferrari’s fortunes. Max Verstappen competed in the Nurburgring 24 Hours endurance race last week in a GT3 car, but that is not something Hamilton is itching to take on.
Asked if that would interest him, Hamilton said: “Not particularly, no. I love the (Nurburgring) Nordschleife, I would love to drive a car round there at some stage.
“I could do but I don’t need to.”
Hamilton is confident Ferrari can take a step forward this weekend at a track where he has won seven times.
Special memories for Lewis as we head back to Montreal 🍁🏆 pic.twitter.com/sxWz1b4b9d
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 20, 2026
He will also have family backing in Montreal.
“My mum is coming this weekend, the atmosphere in the city is just electric. The track is one of the best tracks in the world,” Hamilton added.
“I’ve been trying to get my mum to come on the road for a while but she has only come to Silverstone for the last God knows how many years.
“She promised me at the end of last year that ‘next year is the year I travel with you’. We did China together which was the best time we have ever had together.
“We just have a great time. She is really my best friend. It definitely makes a difference to your weekend when you have support from your family.”
