close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
Lewis Hamilton in the pitlane at the Monaco Grand Prix

Hamilton only interested in toppling...seven-time champion Hamilton!

Lewis Hamilton in the pitlane at the Monaco Grand Prix — Photo: © LAT Images

Hamilton only interested in toppling...seven-time champion Hamilton!

Hamilton is focused only on improving on last year's performance

Lewis Hamilton has claimed he is focused only on beating the version of himself that won a record-equalling seventh F1 title last year rather than toppling Max Verstappen.

Hamilton is on the back foot in the drivers' championship race after falling four points behind Verstappen in recent weeks.

But in an interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera, Hamilton has explained the Dutchman is not who he measures himself against.

Assessing his excitement for the current season, Hamilton said: “I don't think it's because of Max or anyone else.

"The reason is that every day I discover new things about myself. With the pandemic lockdowns, I have had more time to refine my talent, body and mind. I always compete against myself.

"I think about how to fight, I look at how I was last year and how to overcome a seven-time world champion."

Hamilton singles out Sainz for a "bright future"

Commenting that he hoped not to be racing into his 40s like Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso, the 36-year-old turned his attention to the younger generation of drivers.

Although referencing Lando Norris, George Russell and Charles Leclerc, he singled out Carlos Sainz for a particularly strong future.

"Carlos above all," remarked Hamilton. "He has just arrived at Ferrari and he is driving very well, [and] with Leclerc he forms a very strong duo.

"F1 is in good hands, I predict a bright future.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

'I'm the guy': Hollywood A-lister tells Mercedes he can replace George Russell

'I'm the guy': Hollywood A-lister tells Mercedes he can replace George Russell

  • 2 hours ago
Daniel Ricciardo left questioning 'harsh' treatment after F1 retirement

Daniel Ricciardo left questioning 'harsh' treatment after F1 retirement

  • Yesterday 21:57
Christian Horner named as Audi saviour as new door opens for F1 return

Christian Horner named as Audi saviour as new door opens for F1 return

  • Yesterday 21:11
Max Verstappen WILL race this weekend after double F1 cancellation

Max Verstappen WILL race this weekend after double F1 cancellation

  • Yesterday 20:25
Fernando Alonso gets new role with Aston Martin 'an all-time F1 flop' in 2026

Fernando Alonso gets new role with Aston Martin 'an all-time F1 flop' in 2026

  • Yesterday 19:41
Lewis Hamilton answers F1 fan prayers as Kim Kardashian makes Ferrari debut

Lewis Hamilton answers F1 fan prayers as Kim Kardashian makes Ferrari debut

  • Yesterday 18:54

Just in

6-4
'I'm the guy': Hollywood A-lister tells Mercedes he can replace George Russell
6-4
Daniel Ricciardo left questioning 'harsh' treatment after F1 retirement
6-4
Christian Horner named as Audi saviour as new door opens for F1 return
6-4
Max Verstappen WILL race this weekend after double F1 cancellation
6-4
Fernando Alonso gets new role with Aston Martin 'an all-time F1 flop' in 2026
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Daniel Ricciardo left questioning 'harsh' treatment after F1 retirement Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo left questioning 'harsh' treatment after F1 retirement

Yesterday 21:57
Christian Horner named as Audi saviour as new door opens for F1 return Christian Horner

Christian Horner named as Audi saviour as new door opens for F1 return

Yesterday 21:11
Max Verstappen WILL race this weekend after double F1 cancellation Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen WILL race this weekend after double F1 cancellation

Yesterday 20:25
Fernando Alonso gets new role with Aston Martin 'an all-time F1 flop' in 2026 Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso gets new role with Aston Martin 'an all-time F1 flop' in 2026

Yesterday 19:41
Ontdek het op Google Play
x