Lewis Hamilton: Consistent success the "biggest challenge" for athletes

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton: Consistent success the "biggest challenge" for athletes

Hamilton has tasted victory in each of his 14 seasons to date

Sam Hall

Friday 19 March 2021 12:00

Lewis Hamilton has described maintaining the level of performance needed to be successful across a sustained period is "one of the biggest challenges" faced by athletes.

Hamilton heads into his 15th consecutive Formula 1 season this year and remains the only driver to have won at least one race in each campaign of his career.

The Briton is also the driver with the most pole positions [98], most race wins [95], most podiums [165] and is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most world titles [seven].

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Explaining his longevity and his continual pursuit of success, Hamilton said: “In terms of consistently coming back each year, that is one of the biggest challenges that any athlete in the world faces.

"But the goal is always to try and improve and not drop the ball in the other areas that you are strong at. Focus on the weak areas whilst still keeping the others strong and I can tell you that it is definitely not an easy task.

“There have been times where I have improved in some areas and other areas have dipped a bit.

"A lot of it is also collaboration, working with your engineers, just challenging your engineers and having them challenge you and raise areas where they can see better ways of working together."

What has set Hamilton apart, and continues to do so, is his number of commitments and activities undertaken away from the track.

Most recently, the 36-year-old has formed a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, has recorded his own music and, in particular last year, used his voice and platform to improve diversity and aid racial equality.

Outlining what he believes are the key factors to achieving a long and successful career, Hamilton explained: “It goes back to energy levels, fitness and mental health.

"I think there are all of these really important key factors and you have to try and fire on all cylinders.

"Naturally we are on the edge as athletes in competition. We are on the edge all of the time and so that is a very difficult balance to strike.”