Hamilton: My reaction times are ‘still quicker’ than the young guys

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40

When Lewis Hamilton embarks on the next chapter of his storied Formula 1 career with Ferrari in 2025, the seven-time world champion will reach a milestone that few drivers attain – lining up on the grid at 40 years old.

But rather than seeing age as a limitation, Hamilton believes he's in the best form of his life, both physically and mentally.

Reflecting on his journey from a prodigious 22-year-old debutant to a seasoned veteran of the sport, Hamilton feels that time has only sharpened his skills.

“Honestly, right now I feel I'm healthier than I've ever been,” he said in a recent interview with The Times . “I'm in such a good place, physically and mentally.

“My reaction times are still quicker than the young guys. I think I'm a better driver than I was at 22.”

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Looking back at the early days of his career, Hamilton recognizes how much he has evolved.

“I was just young, energetic and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance,” he added. “I didn't know how to be a team player, how to be a leader.

“Being a good racing driver, it's not just about being fast, it's about being the most rounded.”

Hamilton has been racing competitively since he was six. However, fighting his rivals within the colorful but often chaotic ranks of karting wasn't his only battle.

The Briton admits having battled depression at an early age as he dealt with the pressures exerted by his racing environment, but also with bullying at school. And that mental fight extended into his adult life.

"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to," Hamilton recounted.

"I've struggled with mental health throughout my life, depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13... when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases."

However, over time, as maturity set in, the seven-time F1 world champion got a grip on his demons.

"You're learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those," he said.

"So what might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today. I am so much more refined."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.