Hamilton wants to be like MotoGP great Rossi

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton says he hopes to emulate the career of MotoGP great Valentino Rossi.

Rossi, 37, became the ninth-oldest rider to win a MotoGP after his victory in Jerez on Sunday.

The seven-time MotoGP world champion remains one of the most competitive riders on the grid, letting age be no barrier.

And Hamilton wants to see out his F1 career at the top of his game, just like Rossi has been able to do in recent years.

“Valentino is towards one of the older riders now, but he still has the ability to be at the top,” the Brit told Motorsport.

“He still has the ability to do so, and so I hope that I am in the similar position towards the end of my career.”

Hamilton admits the thought of retirement has crossed his mind but believes he has plenty of time left.

“I do [think about retirement]. Generally when I think about it, I have this three-year contract. I am hoping that I have another three or four years after that,” the 31-year-old said.

“We all are greedy, we always want more. You know that you have just won the championship, you still feel healthy, you still feel fit. Plus you know that next year is going to be the same year, it is just going to be good.

“So you don’t want to stop and give it to the other guy. You want to stay in and get it again.

“So, I think it is a very hard thing to do and I am yet to know that I have the maturity and strength to walk away from something that I loved since five years old. Only time will tell.”