Lewis Hamilton threatens to QUIT F1 if plans for supersized 25-race season go through

F1 owners Liberty Media want to expand the current 21-race calendar with Vietnam already confirmed for 2020.

But Hamilton warned: “I am not going to be here if it gets to 25 Grand Prix races, that’s for sure.

“It already feels like we are on race No 25 this year — so I don’t think having more races is a good thing.

“I am someone who really loves racing but the season is so long.

“It takes a big commitment from all of us and it is also a long time away from our families.”


Next season’s F1 campaign has already been extended into December for the first time in more than 50 years.

Ahead of this weekend’s Brazil Grand Prix, newly-crowned champion Hamilton, 33, said: “Eighteen was the best number, back in the day.

“Seasons are getting longer and the off-time is getting shorter.

“You start having to prepare for next year as soon as the season is done, so getting your mind tuned is very difficult.”

The Brit superstar will climb into his Mercedes car for the first time today since clinching that fifth world crown in Mexico a fortnight ago.

But Hamilton has no concerns about his safety outside of the Brazilian circuit — despite a member of his team being robbed at gun-point last year.

Merc have beefed up security, including investing in armed police escorts and undercover agents.

And Hamilton added: “I have always felt safe in Brazil, so I have not approached any of the races here with safety on my mind.

“But I’m confident Formula One and the teams have taken action after last year.

“We don’t know what is around the corner but I am really hopeful for a positive weekend for everyone in Brazil.”

Mercedes can retain the F1 constructors’ championship this weekend.

Rivals Ferrari must outscore Merc by 13 points to take the battle into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

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