Hamilton talks about possible retirement: “As long as Alonso is still racing…”
When asked once again about a potential retirement, Lewis Hamilton gave a clear and definitive answer. At 40 years old, Hamilton is one of the most experienced drivers on the Formula 1 grid, alongside his former teammate and longtime rival, Fernando Alonso. Given the disappointing performance of the seven-time world champion with Ferrari, the team he joined this year, rumors about a possible retirement have grown stronger. This is not surprising, considering his age and the remarkable achievements he has accumulated over his career. Despite this, Hamilton once again puts these rumors to rest and reaffirms his objectives: to remain in Formula 1 as long as possible and to pursue an eighth world championship title. But what about family life?
Priorities first
“I have no intention of stopping now,” Hamilton said in an interview with L’Équipe. Then, jokingly, he added: “Honestly, I appreciate that Alonso is still racing because it means he is older than me. I’ll keep going until he turns 50!”
“Jokes aside, I’ve always been impressed by athletes like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and other greats such as Tom Brady, who manage to have a family while still giving everything in their sport. That hasn’t happened for me yet. Family isn’t my priority right now. My priority has always been my love for Formula 1. The love of my life is Formula 1. I love this job more than anything else. Of course, my niece and my family are important to me, but I don’t like doing things halfway. I wouldn’t give 100% if I tried to balance everything. I’m not saying others can’t, but I need to be relentless, train hard, be meticulous, and fully committed. Some sacrifices are necessary.
“I don’t want to reach a point where I have to choose between my racing career failing so my family thrives, or my family struggling because racing is my focus. For now, I don’t have to make that choice, and I’m happy to focus on one thing. Even with total dedication, succeeding in this sport is incredibly difficult.”
Life after racing
When the inevitable day of retirement arrives, Lewis Hamilton believes he won’t be the type to remain involved in the paddock, nor would he enjoy life as a former driver or in another role within the sport.
“I’m not sure I’ll really want to come back,” he admitted. “I don’t see myself at a circuit, standing in the garage. I see others doing it to some extent, and maybe after a month I’ll change my mind and return just for fun. But perhaps I’ll disconnect completely, and that will be fine.” – the Ferrari driver concluded ahead of the Baku Grand Prix weekend.
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