Lewis Hamilton, the iconic figure in Formula 1, is adamant about continuing his racing career as long as he feels he still has “fuel in the tank,” but he emphasizes the importance of not pushing himself until he’s “completely burnt out” before retiring.
With Sebastian Vettel announcing his retirement from F1 at the end of 2022, Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are set to represent the older generation of drivers on the grid next season. Despite this shift, Hamilton remains focused on his career aspirations, both on and off the track.
Hamilton’s current Mercedes F1 contract extends until the end of 2023, and he has reiterated his intention to keep racing beyond next season. At 37 years old, he believes there’s more he can achieve, not only in terms of championships but also in leading F1’s diversity and inclusion initiatives through his charitable foundation, Mission 44.
Reflecting on Vettel’s decision, Hamilton acknowledges the evolving landscape of F1 but remains steadfast in his commitment to driving positive change within the sport. He emphasizes that retirement isn’t on his mind as he continues to strive for success on multiple fronts.
While Hamilton acknowledges that there may come a time when he loses motivation to continue racing, he doesn’t foresee that happening anytime soon. He plans to step away from the sport with “fuel in the tank,” ensuring he still has energy and passion for other endeavors beyond racing.
Hamilton also praises Vettel for his activism work in environmental and humanitarian efforts and hopes that F1 will continue to progress in the directions Vettel has advocated for. He sees Vettel’s contributions as integral to sparking conversations and making positive changes within the sport.
In essence, Hamilton remains dedicated to his racing career while also championing important causes, aiming to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the track. As he navigates the latter stages of his career, he prioritizes making meaningful contributions to F1 and society as a whole.
