F1: All eyes on Ferrari at Monza as Lewis Hamilton sees hopes of maintaining record dented with penalty
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a futile season where the Silver Arrows’ hybrid domination has been rendered a thing of the past, Hamilton’s 16-year record of winning at least one race in every season he’s competed in F1 has been pigeonholed as something to strive for in the closing months. I’m feeling fit, I love what I’m doing and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.” That last line has extra wieght, amid reports that Mercedes are considering giving a reserve contract to Daniel Ricciardo next year as a back-up for 2024 in case Hamilton opts not to extend his deal beyond 2023. Sat alongside the last year’s winner at Monza Ricciardo, who was dropped by McLaren two weeks ago and is searching up and down the paddock for a drive next year, 37-year-old Hamilton turned his head sideways and stated: “I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. open image in gallery Lewis Hamilton was sat alongside Daniel Ricciardo in Thursday’s press conference “I will always be with Mercedes until the day I die and I feel like I can race for quite a bit longer.” Irrespective of Hamilton’s demotion this weekend and future beyond, there’s no doubting where all the focus lies this weekend, at the centenary of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza and 75th anniversary of Ferrari.