Hamilton: ‘I will know when I need to stop’

Lewis Hamilton remains fiercely competitive and driven to succeed, but the seven-time F1 world champion also knows that all good things come to an end.

With only ten races remaining on his 2024 agenda, Hamilton is fast approaching the end of his remarkable story with Mercedes and the start of a fascinating chapter with Ferrari.

The Briton will pass through the golden gates of Maranello early next year, at the age of 40, which has ignited widespread speculation about his long-term future in Formula 1.

Despite being on the cusp of what many believe will be his last contract, the 105-time Grand Prix winner remains tight-lipped about how long he intends to stay in the sport.

However, in a recent interview with men’s magazine Esquire, Hamilton provided some intriguing hints about what lies ahead.

“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, a proper break, because you don’t get a real big break in the season like other sports.

“You don’t finish until mid to late December, and then you’re back into training already in January, and that’s two times a day you’re training.

“There are another couple of hours of therapy that you’re doing during that time as well.

“So you’re not really getting a huge amount of downtime. And in February, you’re flat out running until December.”

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Despite these challenges, Hamilton hinted at a mental plan for his future, though it remains flexible.

“But I do have mentally a plan of where I would like to extend to,” he said. “I’ve just got to strategise and sequence things.

“I’m very much about sequencing, like looking at brands that I collaborate with, companies that I’m essentially starting, how I manage my time between all those, and how I’m able to dedicate myself to this job still.”

Hamilton acknowledged that there may come a time when his passion wanes.

“Is there a time when I’m not all in and I’m just not in love with it anymore?” he questioned. “That’s the moment that hopefully never happens, in the sense that I’ve fallen out of love with it.

“But I will know when I need to stop.”

Hamilton’s competitive spirit remains undiminished, as evidenced by his recent victories at Silverstone and Spa, driving a rejuvenated Mercedes.

These wins give him hope for more success as the 2024 season resumes and serve as a reminder of his enduring prowess on the track.

“I want to make sure I really max it out while I can and fully enjoy this sport I’ve done my whole life,” he elaborated.

“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!’

“But I don’t want to do it if I’m not good.”

Hamilton’s thoughts also turned to the physical demands of competing at the highest level, especially as he gets older.

“So it’s like, how much do you want to train? When you’re twenty-two, it’s so easy to work out and be fit,” he explained.

“There’s no recovery and you’ve got nothing else going on, no other stresses, no real responsibilities except for that one thing to go and kill.

“Now it’s: How can you stay sharp and be able to do all those things you have going on, and still be able to compete with those young guys in their twenties?”

Despite the intense competition from younger drivers like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri, Hamilton insists that defeating the next generation is not his primary motivation.

“Not particularly,” he said. “I’m super competitive naturally. I don’t care who it is. I just want to win.”

As Hamilton prepares to don the iconic red of Ferrari, his future in Formula 1 remains a compelling topic of discussion.

Whether his stint with Ferrari will be the final chapter in his remarkable career or merely another step in his ongoing pursuit of greatness, one thing is clear: Lewis Hamilton’s passion for racing is still burning brightly, even as he contemplates the possibility of life after Formula 1.

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