Hamilton to quit F1 for MotoGP (Update)

What will he do if he is good on a MotoGP bike?

UPDATE (GMM) Team boss Toto Wolff has admitted Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes engineers did not tell him about a secret superbike test at Jerez last December.

The five time world champion even crashed as he tested the plain black Yamaha superbike.

"We had a laugh because I couldn't get hold of him and couldn't get hold of my chief strategist and one of the race engineers," Wolff said.

"I found out they were racing motorbikes in Jerez and nobody would pick up the phone. And then they were a bit apologetic."

Wolff said Hamilton's extra-curricular activities are often "worrying", but understands that the 34-year-old needs to do "what works for him".

"Every time he's able to decompress from motor racing, he comes back stronger," he said. "We mustn't be judgmental. Some people go on a meditation seminar to India. Others do skydiving."

Hamilton told France's Auto Hebdo that his next ambition is to test a MotoGP bike.

"I'm going to ride one, that's for sure," he insisted. "I just need to ride more. It's a dream I want to realize.

"I watch all the races. Even when I'm on a grand prix weekend, I quickly leave my briefings to find a screen," added Hamilton.

Hamilton wants to be like Valentino Rossi

03/11/19 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is "thinking about" a switch to two wheels.

Before traveling to Australia, the five time world champion spent a day in Qatar to watch the MotoGP action.

Hamilton even tested a high performance racing motorcycle recently, and is now targeting a MotoGP test.

"Switching to two wheels? I'm thinking about it but it's difficult," the Mercedes driver is quoted by Sky Italia.

"It would be a real honor. It would be crazy to race against Valentino Rossi," Hamilton said.

However, he said he is fully motivated for the 2019 season, even though Mercedes appears to be behind after winter testing.

"These challenges are what keep me alive," said the Briton.

"I will work with my team, understand why we are behind, and squeeze even more out of the car. As I said, I love these challenges."