Lewis Hamilton is determined to sample the “challenge” of Formula 1’s next generation of cars from 2021.
Earlier this week, Liberty Media offered a first look at the all-new designs with the proposed regulations later receiving unanimous support from teams in a vote in Austin.
Hamilton was the first of several drivers who opted to get involved in the process of shaping the future vision of F1 by attending Strategy Group meetings.
Now, having seen the final product, he is eager to continue racing and try to keep Mercedes on top at the same time.
“I always love a challenge. This team has shown that they are better prepared and in the best position to be able to react to rule changes, so I know the team is approaching the challenge in an exciting way,” he said on Thursday.
“But I think it’s going to be an interesting time. I’m planning to be here so naturally at some point next year my mindset will be to switch into 2021 and wanting to be the pioneer in that era.”
Also Read:
- Button & Wolff: Hamilton will shatter Schumacher records if Mercedes keep winning
- Mercedes’ effort during 2019 season ‘undervalued’ by fans, Hamilton claims
- Hamilton hopeful 2021 cars will see the end of DRS
One question that is forever mentioned, however, is whether the six-time F1 champion in waiting will ever want to make the big move to Ferrari, with the Briton out of contract at Mercedes after next season.
“I don’t particularly see myself going anywhere else,” he commented, sticking to his long-held stance on the matter.
“I love being here at Mercedes. I love being a part of the brand. I love being a part of the history.
“The idea of standing with Mercedes, I’ve always said it for a long time, I’ve been linked with them since I was 13 years old. So the idea of continuing on with them even beyond non-Formula 1, probably heavily involved within Daimler and beyond I think is quite attractive.”
Of course, even despite the repeated comments that won’t stop pundits from perhaps dreaming of one day seeing Hamilton in red.
One man who very much doesn’t though is Lewis’ current team boss Toto Wolff.
“I think that this Ferrari thing has maybe been blown out of proportion,” the Austrian claimed. “Lewis has a clear opinion where he sees himself in the future and we are and have always been very loyal to our drivers.
“2021, everything is different and the drivers, in the same way as the teams, will be looking at opportunities and their future, evaluate options that are on the table, benchmark the teams’ performance.
“At the end of the day, the cars’ performance is what counts the most for the top guys.
“These discussions have slowly but surely started but I don’t see this coming to any closure in terms of the 2021 line-up any time soon. That will be going into the next season, in my opinion.”