The seven-time world champion is in the final year of his current contract and so far has not announced an extension, although he said the extension will come as a formality in the recent offseason.

Hamilton has long said he will remain committed to mercedes benzwhich backed him for the first time at the age of 13 and his F1 debut as engine partner McLaren.

But Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff admitted it would be natural for his drivers to shop around in the future if the team fails to offer a more competitive car.

Hamilton dismissed the notion, saying he wanted to follow the path of the grand prix winner and honor 1955 Mille Miglia winner Moss by staying linked with Mercedes until “the end of the world”.

Asked about his future at Mercedes, Hamilton, 37, said: “I’m surprised by it.

“I still feel at home. It’s family. Honestly, I see myself staying with Mercedes until my final days.

“If you look at the legend, Sir Stirling Moss was with Mercedes until the end of his life.

“So, it’s always been a dream of mine to have that one day… well, I have that, so I mean keep doing it and keep building the brand.”

Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton watches the race with Mercedes-AMG Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff

Photography: Steve Etherington/ motorsport pictures

While Hamilton’s achievements at Mercedes have established him as a long-term brand ambassador, the driver said he would like to retain a race seat with the team as long as he can “really contribute”.

He continued: “I have some fantastic allies in the team. I have a great relationship here.

“I think personally, as long as I can continue to help the team, as long as I can continue to help push the team forward and really contribute, that’s why I want to stay.

“If one day I feel like I can’t do it, then it’s time for young people to come in and take my place. But I’m young and I’m in good shape.”