Lewis Hamilton will leave McLaren at the end of the season, although it may not be the Brit's last race for the team.
Hamilton told Sky Sports News on Thursday that going from McLaren to Mercedes is "almost like leaving home and going travelling for a bit".
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh added that "We'd have him [Hamilton] back, yes".
"So let's hope it's just a gap year".
Hamilton also told Sky Sports F1 that "Coming across here, this finish line, for the last time with the team 'til who knows when, is sad in many ways but it's also a beautiful thing in many ways as well because I'm going to start a new chapter in my life".
