Lewis Hamilton has revealed the reasoning behind his bachelor lifestyle as he looks to continue racing into his 40s.
The seven-time world champion declared: “I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport.
“I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.
“You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.
Lewis Hamilton does not have a wife or kids and is focussed solely on Formula One
Reuters
“I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
Hamilton’s remarks come as he prepares for his Ferrari debut after ending his successful partnership with Mercedes.
Hamilton underlined his strong form during F1 Testing in Bahrain by topping the timesheet for Ferrari on day two.
The Stevenage-born racer finished four tenths clear of his former Mercedes team-mate George Russell with a time of 1:29.379.
He completed 45 laps during the morning session.
Hamilton’s impressive performance eclipsed the best lap time from last year’s Bahrain test, a 1:30.222, set by his new team-mate Charles Leclerc.
JUST IN: Sir Chris Hoy shares heartbreaking update on cancer battle
He even beat Ferrari’s best qualifying time around the Bahrain International Circuit in 2024.
Hamilton has dismissed criticism from figures in the F1 community, particularly regarding Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz.
“I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” says Hamilton. “I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.”
Former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan had called Ferrari’s decision to axe Sainz “suicidal.”
Hamilton added: “How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”
READ MORE: F1 legend Damon Hill opens up on Sky Sports exit – ‘They want eye-candy’
Lewis Hamilton said he could race until he’s 50
Reuters
Hamilton made it clear he has no plans to step away from the sport despite turning 40.
“What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar,” said Hamilton.
The Ferrari driver even suggested he could continue racing for another decade.
“I could be here until I’m 50, who knows,” he added.
His comments highlight a determination to prove that age is no barrier to success in Formula 1.
The clear signs of a resurgence at the front of the grid underline why F1 fans are excited about his prospects.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Eddie Jordan was critical of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari
PA
Hamilton is just weeks away from making his official Ferrari debut after leaving Mercedes.
The anticipation has reached “fever-pitch levels” according to reports.
His strong testing performance suggests he could challenge for a record-breaking eighth world championship.
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently claimed Hamilton has “a lot of enemies” at Ferrari.
But Hamilton appears unfazed by such criticism as he embarks on this new chapter.