Hamilton - Winning eighth F1 title 'not the deciding factor' over future
Hamilton - Winning eighth F1 title 'not the deciding factor' over future
Lewis Hamilton has insisted that failing to win a record-breaking eighth title this year will not determine his Formula 1 future.
On the day Mercedes launched its new car for this season, the W12, Hamilton has revealed the reason for only signing a one-year with the team was to at least provide himself with options should he decide to leave the sport.
"I’m in a fortunate position where I have achieved most of the stuff I have wanted to achieve up until this point so there is no real need really to plan too far ahead into the future," said Hamilton.
"I think we are living in quite an unusual period of time in life and I just wanted one year. Then we can talk about if we do more and keep adding it one [year at a time] if we have to.”
After equalling Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles last season, the obvious goal for Hamilton is to continue until he holds the outright record on his own.
But the 36-year-old maintains that is not the motivating factor for him continuing into next season and beyond.
"A real important decision in my mind is that I don't want that to be the deciding factor," added Hamilton.
"I got into racing because I loved racing, and I think that's got to be at the core of what I do.
"If all you are going for are accolades and titles, I feel like I could potentially lose my way.
"Of course, it's the ultimate dream but I don't think it's necessarily going to be the deciding factor on whether I stay or keep going.
"I think it's more about when I put the helmet on and I still have that smile when I leave the garage. It's going back to 'Do you enjoy it?'
"Last year was a real tough one for everyone, including me, but I think there were some real impactful moments.
"Will that be the case this year? Will I enjoy it as much, we will see? I'm excited currently, so I'm sure I will."
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Hamilton dealt major Newey blow as shock COMPLICATION revealed
- 45 minutes ago
F1 News Today: Incredible Verstappen exit clause reignites F1 rival talks as Mercedes milestone reveals shock RED livery
- 2 hours ago
Horner outlines Ricciardo target to save F1 dream as major Newey announcement made - GPFans F1 Recap
- Yesterday 23:57
Mercedes reveal shock RED livery to celebrate historic milestone
- Yesterday 22:57
Ricciardo makes five-race admission in bid to survive F1 axe
- Yesterday 21:57
Red Bull is 'burning' after Horner and Marko display
- Yesterday 20:57
Related news
Incredible statistic puts Verstappen AHEAD of Hamilton record
Fierce rival calls Hamilton F1's GOAT in surprise admission
Hamilton sends strong message over Gaza deaths
Former F1 chief hits out at Hamilton 'EXCUSES'
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860