Hamilton reveals own future plans after Vettel announced F1 retirement

Lewis Hamilton has dismissed all suggestions that he might follow the example of Sebastian Vettel and retire from Formula One in the near future. The Mercedes driver has no qualms about hanging up his helmet and even suggests Fernando Alonso is more likely to quit than he is.

Despite experiencing one of the toughest seasons of his career, Hamilton stressed that the departure of his old rival and good friend has not made him think about his own future plans. He does, however, reflect on the fact that there may not be anyone left on the grid with whom he has raced since his early days.

Hamilton doesn't want to stop yet

"Before you know it, Fernando [Alonso] will not be there and then who is after that? I will be the oldest I guess," Hamilton mused to Evening Standard. "It has not made me think about that because I am thinking about how I can improve this car, what the next step is we need to get this team winning again, what is the road map to winning another World Championship."

Hamilton is not lacking in fighting spirit but whether he will see Alonso leave in the near future remains to be seen. The Spaniard, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Friday, has repeatedly said he is not finished with Formula 1 and is even said to have signed a new two-year contract with Alpine.