Lewis Hamilton says he ‘underestimated’ his love for F1 and reveals his battles with George Russell keep him motivated.
In 2023, Lewis Hamilton signs a new two-year contract with Mercedes, meaning he will drive for the team until at least the end of 2025. This means he will be almost 41 years old when contract expiration.
In an interview with BLICK, Lewis recalled that he once said he would not compete in F1 as a favourite.
“I have to admit that I underestimated my love for this sport,” said the Briton.
“But it became a story of love and hate. There are days when I don’t want to climb into the cockpit.
He added that fighting with teammate George Russell kept him motivated.
“Dueling with teammate George also gives me motivation. You must always be alert.
When asked what the difference was between when he started his career in 2007 and now in 2023, Lewis replied:
“First of all, it’s been 16 years. During my first year in Formula 1, I was 22 years old. I was still a kid, inexperienced, agile, but at that time I didn’t feel very good about myself.
“I am on a journey to discover my personality and who I want to become.
“[Now] I am much happier than I was then and I know who I am. I know my goals outside of the race and I can say I’ve done a lot of things well.
“I love what I do and we should all learn to never say never,” Hamilton concluded.
Hamilton says his relationship with F1 “has become a love-hate story”
