Lewis Hamilton has declared he is “built differently” as he challenged assumptions about the impact of age on his Formula 1 career and whether he will still be around when the African Grand Prix is introduced in the 2030s, insisting he can still compete with drivers half his age.

The seven-time world champion left his longer-term future open but made clear that his commitment remains undiminished, pointing to his reactions as evidence that he can still match the younger generation.

“Firstly, you’ve never had anyone like me here in the seventy years. So I feel that I’m built differently,” Hamilton said.

“Of course, there are challenges up ahead that I can’t foresee that come with age. But along this journey, there have been so many preconceived ideas about the fact that your reaction time drops off."

Hamilton then highlighted his fast start at the United States Grand Prix, adding: “Did you see my reaction in the last race? My reaction is faster than some of the young people here.”

Hamilton does not want to outstay his welcome

While Hamilton would not commit to remaining on the grid into the next decade, he drew a clear distinction between uncertainty over his future capabilities and confidence in his current performances.

“I can’t say in four years whether I want to continue to do what I’m doing, but I love what I’m doing still now. I’m still all in, and I will be for the foreseeable future.”

He added: "Whether or not I can compete at 44 with a 20-year-old, who knows? But at 41, I can compete with a 20-year-old,” he said. "So time will tell. Whether I’m here in the thirties, we’ll see. I never want to overstay my welcome."

With Kimi Antonelli on the verge of winning his first championship, attention now turns to the battle for P2 with just nine points separating George Russell, Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.