Hamilton’s 15th F1 season may well be the end of an era, whether the world champion wins a record eighth title or not. Mark Hughes weighs up the competition for the two seats at Mercedes and reveals why the future is bright for another Brit

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It has lasted for a very long time, the Lewis Hamilton era of F1, a whirl of wheels and sunshine. But all successes come to an end some day. At 36, going into his 15th season of F1, Hamilton is gunning for that record-breaking eighth title. But maybe not as intensely as you might imagine, if his pre-season words are to be taken at face value. “I think I have made a real important decision in my mind that I don’t want that [eighth title] to be the deciding factor. I got into racing because I loved racing and I think that has got to be always at the core of what I do. If I don’t love racing and if all you are going for is accolades and world titles, I feel I could potentially lose my way. Of course, it is the ultimate dream but I don’t think necessarily it will be the deciding factor for if I stay on and keep going. I think it is more when I put that helmet on, I still have that smile when I leave the garage.”

As we head into the new season, are we looking at the end of an era? And if so, what comes after that?

In terms of the physical skills required for the sport, Hamilton could likely go on for years yet and continue extending his own record of success. But he’s clearly not preoccupied with records, now he has set the bar. So what would it take to keep that smile on his face as he departs the garage?

It’s probably more than just his immediate environment and the competitiveness of his car. He’s approaching something of a crossroads in his life. His profile lends his words and actions enormous weight – something he has become more aware of in the last couple of years and which has emboldened him to stand up and make his voice heard on issues way bigger than motor racing. Using the profile that racing has given him, the shape of his postdriving career is becoming more tangible: campaigner, diversity ambassador, a celebrity mover and shaker on issues close to his heart. Quite possibly in co-operation with Mercedes.