Hamilton not planning to 'do the easy thing' and retire like Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton has stressed he has no plans to "do the easy thing" and retire from Formula 1 like former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg after winning his fourth world championship on Sunday in Mexico, setting his sights on adding more titles to his haul.

Hamilton clinched his fourth F1 crown with a ninth-place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix, becoming just the fifth driver in the sport's history to reach the landmark following previous titles in 2008, 2014 and 2015.

Questions have been raised about Hamilton's long-term future in F1 for some time given his desire to explore interests outside of racing, such as fashion and music, but the Briton stressed he has no plans to take a step back.

"I’ve enjoyed it this year more than ever. I do think it would be so nice at some stage just to live in one place, a lot more socialising, walking your dogs every day or surfing, whatever it is, but staying in one place for a period of time," Hamilton said.

"But then I’m thinking there’s a lot of life to live beyond forty, there’s a lot to go and so the balance is. I can’t come back to Formula One, so there’s going to be a point in which OK, I’ve had enough.

"I’ve already been blessed and had such a wonderful time here in these ten years. Hopefully I have my place here and I’m going to continue to, whilst I’m at my best.

"I want to go out on top so that’s my goal."

Hamilton ruled out following former rival Rosberg's lead and suddenly quitting F1, with the German announcing just five days after winning the title in 2016 he would be hanging up his helmet.

"Obviously each year, I could do the easy thing like obviously Nico did which is just stop and retreat with these four titles," Hamilont said.

"But I think there’s more in me,. I think there’s more to come, more of a challenge, as there’s harder times ahead.

"I like that, I love that - that’s challenging."