Lewis Hamilton backed to copy Tom Brady retirement plan by Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Fernando Alonso and NFL star Tom Brady by staying in F1 into his 40s, by Toto Wolff. The Mercedes team principal predicted Hamilton can still perform ‘at a very high level’ like Alonso and Brady.Wolff added that Hamilton has ‘many more years’ in F1 despite his current deal ending after the 2023 season. Wolff explained: “You can see today’s athletes pushing the boundaries in terms of age.”For me, Fernando [Alonso] is performing at a very high level and you look, for me, at the best athlete in the world, Tom Brady, on the field being tackled and throwing a ball at 45 years old. As long as you continue to look after yourself and your cognitive sensors, I think he has many more years in him.”I’m pretty certain that’s going to be the case here in the team.” Wolff has previously confirmed a new contract extension for Hamilton ‘is going to happen’.READ MORE: Ferrari chief uses Lewis Hamilton diversion with swipe at Mercedes Toto Wolff has shared more details about Lewis Hamilton’s F1 future (Image: Getty)The Austrian also suggested Hamilton admitted in private that he could have another five years at the top level of motorsport. Hamilton also revealed he was looking to remain in F1 on Thursday ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix.The seven-time champion previously claimed he did not want to remain in the sport past the age of 40 but has appeared to make a U-turn. He admitted was in talks about a ‘multi-year deal’ with Mercedes which could take the 37-year-old past his previous cut-off.When pressed for further details, Hamilton opened up that taking the top spot off Max Verstappen and Red Bull was part of his motivation.DON’T MISSLewis Hamilton throws weight behind Max Verstappen after Sky boycott [INSIGHT]Mercedes chief contradicts Christian Horner performance claims [ANALYSIS]Mercedes boss Toto Wolff ‘totally surprised’ by Red Bull gamble [COMMENT] Lewis Hamilton has hinted he wants to sign a new multi-year deal (Image: Getty)He said: ‘I’m not putting a limit on it, to be honest. I’m planning to do a multi-year deal with my team. I really, really don’t know what the next five years [hold], I think we’re still trying to work on that.’Hamilton added: ‘Are you willing to give up all your time to prepare and train and work with the team and deliver? If there’s ever a moment that I’m arriving and I’m just coasting along, that’s when, firstly, I don’t belong here and I don’t deserve a position here, and when I should stop.’I question myself whether I’m able to do that and whether I want to do that, and the answer is yes. We obviously have a championship that we need to get back, and I love the mission and that challenge with my team.’