BREAKING NEWS: Lewis Hamilton reveals what could make him quit F1 after outlining retirement…read more.
Lewis Hamilton reveals what could make him quit F1 after outlining retirement…read more.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, who turns 40 in January, has shared insights into his future in the sport and what could ultimately prompt him to retire. Hamilton has had an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, and he is set to extend his racing journey even further with a highly anticipated move to Ferrari next season. Despite his longevity and success, the Briton remains passionate about Formula 1, continuing to find immense joy and excitement in the sport that has defined much of his life.
Hamilton, who has signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari, will enter his 19th consecutive season in Formula 1 in 2025. Reflecting on what motivates him to keep competing at the highest level, Hamilton revealed that the thrill of racing still resonates deeply with him. “For me personally, when I get strapped in the first time and they start up the car, I get the same bubbly feeling inside,” he said. “And then when everyone moves the tire blankets away, and you pull out into the pit lane and drive out into Turn 1 and just do your first lap, I always get a huge thrill.”
The veteran driver emphasized that this sense of exhilaration is what keeps him going, even after nearly two decades of competing in the sport. “There are so many moments that I still pinch myself that I still get to do this,” Hamilton continued. “It’s really something I wish you could all feel and experience. But the cool thing… and it’s probably why I’m still racing, is that it’s not become such the norm that I don’t feel it.”
Hamilton acknowledged that the day this feeling disappears could be the moment he considers stepping away from Formula 1. “If I was numb to it, that would really suck, and I’d probably be doing something else,” he admitted, hinting that he would need to find another thrilling pursuit, such as flying fighter jets, to match the intensity of racing.
Despite the ongoing joy he finds in the sport, Hamilton is realistic about the demands of Formula 1 and the potential for burnout. In an interview with *Esquire* magazine, Hamilton touched on his plans for eventual retirement, stating that while he intends to continue racing for as long as possible, he remains mindful of the need to manage his time and energy wisely. “There are days I’m like, ‘shoot, I don’t know how much longer I can go,'” he said. “There are days I’m like, ‘shoot, I’d love a break’ because you don’t get a real big break in the season like other sports. You’re not really getting a huge amount of downtime.”
Hamilton revealed that he has a mental plan in place for when the time comes to step away from the sport. “I do have, mentally, a plan of where I would like to extend to,” he explained. “I’ve just got to strategize and sequence things.” However, he is determined not to let burnout or disillusionment dictate the end of his career. “Is there a time when I’m not all in, and I’m just not in love with it anymore? That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it.”
While Hamilton is keen to avoid the pitfalls of overstaying his time in Formula 1, he also draws inspiration from conversations with other athletes who have retired too early. “I will know when I need to stop,” he said. “I want to make sure I really max it out while I can and fully enjoy this sport I’ve done my whole life. There are so many people that have finished their careers early. And I’ve spoken to many who’ve said they wish they could have just done one more year or two. And they’re like, ‘Stay in as long as you can!'”
Ultimately, Hamilton is committed to racing at the highest level as long as he remains competitive and passionate about the sport. “But I don’t want to do it if I’m not good,” he concluded, making it clear that his future in Formula 1 hinges on maintaining both his love for racing and his performance on the track. As he prepares for the next chapter of his career with Ferrari, Hamilton’s focus remains on pushing his limits and savoring every moment behind the wheel.
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