Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes star jokes about his F1 retirement

Hamilton, who is targeting a fifth world title, will be competing in his 12th season in F1.

A new deal is in the pipeline for the Brit to stay at Mercedes for at least another two years and he could pocket an incredible £770,000 a week.

The 33-year-old remains the man to beat, although a sterner challenge will be expected of his team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel.

While Hamilton is relishing life in F1, he has admitted he won’t slow down when he eventually retires and jokes that it will be “very long”.

“You’re a long time retired. It’s never going to be the same. It’s an adrenaline rush, a rollercoaster ride,” he said.

“If you’ve been to a theme park – racing F1 for a season is a hundred times better than that.

“There’s lots and lots to do afterwards. 

“I’m not standing still. I’m not just focusing on racing.

“I focus so I’m 100 percent prepared and do the job to the best of my ability, but also I have lots of spare energy.

“I’m trying to build foundations so when I stop I can say ‘thank you so much, I appreciate everything’ and I move the next day onto a new project that I’m excited and passionate about.”

Hamilton gets his 2018 F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix which starts on Friday.