Lewis Hamilton says he has missed out on too much of his life to spend much longer in F1, even if his departure is not imminent.
Hamilton sealed his fourth world title in 2017 and his third with Mercedes, with whom he has a contract until the end of next year.
The Brit is in talks over a new deal and while a renewal seems likely, he has hinted this week that he is starting to think about life after F1.
“I’ve currently got another year with the team and I do want to continue [after that], but I’m at that point where there’s that question,” Hamilton told the BBC.
“There’s a saying you stay as long as you can.
“I’m not quite sure about that exactly but there is a lot of life left beyond it.
“Things that I’ve missed in life.
“I was talking to my best friend the other day about things that I do envy or look forward to, like living in one place, getting a routine: ‘That’s my gym, I have game night with my friends here.’ My family.
“Each year I stay in the sport, I delay those things.”
Robert Kubica has driven away from worries that his physical problems could stop him returning to F1 next year.
Kubica is being evaluated by Williams as a replacement for Felipe Massa and completed 100 laps in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday before taking the seat for the last two hours of Wednesday’s session.
“Robert did a great job,” Williams chief Paddy Lowe said.
“We were very happy with that absolutely with the number of laps and with the running altogether.
“[His feedback is] very good.
“He is a driver of tremendous experience and very knowledgable around his work.
“His job is a professional racing driver so he has that confidence and you can feel it in the garage so everybody’s happy with Robert.”
Sauber will be rebranded as Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 in 2018 after the Switzerland-based team announced a new deal today.
Sauber have used Ferrari engines since 2010 when they switched from BMW power and will continue do so but with Alfa Romeo branding.
“Fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history,” said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Chrysler, who are the parent company of Alfa Romeo.