Lewis Hamilton: F1 star reveals future plans ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Hamilton has wrapped up the title but is in Abu Dhabi for the final race of the year this weekend.

The Brit was fourth-fastest during the second practice session in the Middle East with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas leading the pack.

Hamilton has won five world titles, lifting four of them in the past five seasons.

At 33 there is still plenty of time for the former McLaren man to at least match Michael Schumacher’s record of seven championships.

And while Hamilton admits there are plenty of challenges to come, he can’t wait to get away and recharge the batteries.

“I love driving the car,” Hamilton told CNN.

“Every weekend when you turn up and get in the car it’s an amazing feeling.

“That never changes and the challenge of each weekend is always … life is boring without challenges.

“But it’s different for other people, a lot of people in life don’t care to have a challenge.

“Maybe (they take) an easier route but for me I like being challenged, being faced with new challenges each day and that’s something that’s not given – and I love when it’s hard work.

“At the moment, my next challenge is to have the best holiday and off period ever.”

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff knows it will be difficult for Hamilton to catch Schumacher.

“You have to have a blueprint for what you want to achieve and then push hard, and obviously records are an interesting object,” Wolff said.

“He’s won five driver titles now and he’s second now with [Juan Manuel] Fangio, which is unbelievable.

“He will be setting his sights for his next title but before seven, there is six, and I can assure you this will be very difficult and complicated next year.

“We wouldn’t have won five championships without Lewis.

“He is an exceptional driver and an unbelievable human. He’s been an integral part of the team.”