Hamilton: Age has made me focus on what matters

Lewis Hamilton says he no longer lets “unimportant things” affect him and feels that growing older has made him a better racer.

The triple world champion endured a challenging start to his title defence amid technical issues, poor starts and on-track incidents. Meanwhile, Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg enjoyed a perfect launch to his campaign as he won the opening four races to open a 43-point gap in the standings.

But while a younger Hamilton would have perhaps faltered after suffering these early setbacks, the 31-year-old stayed the course to achieve a remarkable 62-point championship swing.

Speaking to Motorsport.com’s Kate Walker in a wide-ranging interview, Hamilton explains his new mindset.

“Back in the day I wouldn't leave the hotel room for days in anger of making a mistake or something like that,” the Briton said. “Now, once I've left [the track] and am on the way home I feel it for a bit but then next day, it's a new day and it's a new time.

“I just have the new outlook that all I can do is change what's ahead of me, or I can help shape what's ahead of me, rather than what's behind; there's nothing I can do about it.

“It's just strange how life works where there are those times where you stumble and you go through that emotional roller-coaster ride and somehow as an athlete still manage to keep your head in the game, if not strengthen yourself through those experiences.”

Hamilton adds that turning 30 last year has been a defining moment both in his career and his life.

“I think also now I'm just in a place in my life where as you grow older your priorities shift and you understand what's it and what's not and you don't get caught up in the unimportant things.

“I think as I continue to grow those priorities will get clearer and clearer I would imagine. My friends are telling me that when you have kids then it changes again but I feel like I'm definitely in that transition, gone through that transition phase and now I don't get hung up on difficult times. I'm able to pass through it real quick and turn it [around].”

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