Mercedes has dismissed speculation that Brazil might have been Lewis Hamilton's last race of the 2024 season.

After a frustrating weekend in Brazil, towards the end of a bad season for the seven time world champion, the seven time world champion said over team radio, "If this is the last time that I get to perform, it's a shame it wasn't great. But grateful for you."

Later, he told reporters that he was now looking forward to "Christmas" and added, "I could happily go take a holiday."

However, according to PA Sport, Hamilton's comment may have been directed at Mercedes team members who won't attend the last three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, rather than suggesting an early exit.

"Mercedes have said there are no plans for Lewis Hamilton to be absent from the next race in Las Vegas following the seven-time world champion's mysterious radio message after the Brazilian GP," reported journalist Philip Duncan.