3Lewis Hamilton appeared to reveal his future in F1Credit: AFP

3The seven-time champion is hoping to end his winless streak at the Austrian Grand PrixCredit: AFP

Speculation has persisted suggesting the Brit could swap the Silver Arrows for Ferrari or retire from the sport entirely.

However, in an interview ahead of the weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton seemingly confirmed he would be continuing with the team next season.

He told reporters: “We are making progress in the right direction… but I’m not satisfied with the rear end and the downforce.

“But I hope that next year we will be so far that I can push to the limit again.”

It is the biggest indication yet that the seven-time champion will continue his pursuit of a record-breaking eighth world title.

Team principal Toto Wolff – who recently opened up on the tragic loss of his father when he was just 15 – also previously suggested Hamilton’s new deal was almost done.

Ahead of the Canadian GP, where Hamilton scored a podium, Wolff said: “It is going to happen soon, and we are talking more days than weeks.

“We are trying hard. I will see him today and maybe we will talk about it. We have such a good relationship that we dread the moment that we need to talk about money.”

His new contract will reportedly be worth an eye-watering £50million a year.

Hamilton also appears to have reignited his title rivalry with runaway leader championship Max Verstappen.

He proposed a radical rule change to try and level the playing field, suggesting: “The FIA should set a time when everyone is allowed to start developing next year’s car.

“Say August 1, so that no one can get an advantage, because that sucks.”