Lewis Hamilton has made it clear he has no plans to stop racing just yet as he continues his quest for what would be a record eighth title.
The Brit recently made his 300th start in his Formula 1 career, a career in which he has won the most pole positions (103) and wins (103) of all time, and is tied with Michael Schumacher for titles won: seven.
Despite narrowly missing out on the title in 2021 and not being able to fight for wins this season due to an uncompetitive Mercedes car, the Briton feels he is in top form and still has enough appetite to build on his achievements.
Asked about his plans after 2023 and whether he had spoken to Mercedes, Hamilton said: “We’ve been going around for years, up and down with talk of retirement and quitting. As for me, I feel healthier than I’ve ever felt, because I focus a lot on that. I feel good. I love what I do and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
“My goal was always to be with Mercedes. I love that we have the long partnership that we have. I feel that we are embarking on a lot of positive things, not only in sports, but also outside of it. I think there is a lot of work, a lot to achieve together, so I want to be a part of it,” he added.
Hamilton explains that he wants to be with Mercedes until the end because he feels he can race for a long time, so he will focus on that.
“I think I will always be with Mercedes until the day I die. I feel like I can race a lot longer, so I’ll potentially lean towards that.”
On the other hand, the British driver emphasizes that the goal is still to win a record eighth title to top it, but it is also important for him to make an impact with his Mission 44 foundation.
“Certainly, it is a challenge. For me it is simply winning another title. (With) I approached each one as my first, and the feeling of winning the championship is unique and special in its own way,” said Hamilton.
“Of course, the idea that no driver in history has passed seven, you want to try to make it happen. But I guess – as you get older – you realize that the most important part is the journey and the ride you spend with all the people, and all the people you bring with you, and all the people you try to lift…”
“There’s an opportunity to elevate a lot of people, not just on your team, but with the work we’re doing with Mission 44. There’s a much bigger picture.”
But from a personal point of view, winning another world title is still the goal. I will be so proud to be able to do that for this team,” Hamilton concluded.
