F1's pandemic pause spurs Hamilton to race on for 2-3 years

  pandemic-enforced break from Formula One could prolong Lewis Hamilton's career.

“ COVID-19 lockdown, whilst it was a negative, in some ways it gave a lot of life, a lot of energy to focus on some or things," Hamilton said Thursday, “and that time off was a bit of breathing , and provided a bit of energy to perhaps go longer.”

How much longer for 35-year-old world champion in his 14th season?

“Ultimately I want to be able to perform at level I am right w but re is a point at which physicality and mental side can tail off," he said. “I’ve divine right to be here. My goal is to continue to deliver for as long as I can. So I do see myself going for at least ar two or three years.”

Hamilton's Mercedes contract is due to expire in five months.

“I want to earn my position here," Hamilton said, "and I feel like every year that is t a given just because I’ve world championships under my belt."

He heads into British Grand Prix on Sunday as favorite to win at his home circuit of Silverstone for a seventh time but for first time without any fans re to cheer him on due to pandemic. race is fourth in a championship that should have begun in March. coronavirus has hit Silverstone race with Sergio Perez forced out after testing positive on Thursday.

Hamilton’s bid for a record-equalling seventh world championship — to match Michael Schumacher — has been played out against backdrop of his personal fight against racism.

After dominating Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month, Hamilton n accused Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director Romain Grosjean of failing to convince grid to be united in kneeling before race.

Grosjean spoke to Hamilton for 45 minutes on Tuesday, saying that he wanted to provide a voice for as many as eight drivers who were opposed to anti-racism stance. But he also apologized to Hamilton for indicating that it might have been wrong call.

“Romain originally reached out to me and we had a great conversation,” added Hamilton. “We learned we had more in common than we perhaps thought. He is clearly a caring person. It’s t easy for anybody to admit y’re wrong. And that’s a great first step.

“We’re really working towards same end goal so I really appreciate that from Romain. And that’s really what it is going to take from all of us; open up our minds, don’t put barriers up, don’t be defensive, be open-minded. Ackwledging that re is an issue is sometimes first step and n work towards making it better.”

Hamilton has also been in dialogue with F1 chairman Chase Carey and FIA president Jean Todt this week. pit-lane will open 10 minutes earlier than rmal on Sunday to allow drivers time for a more organized demonstration against racism ahead of race.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc are among those drivers who have stood rar than taking a knee.

“Everybody has ir own way of expressing it,” said Verstappen. “We are all united in fighting racism and that is most important thing. It is t about taking a knee or t taking a knee because that is t going to solve issue.”