“Don’t Want to Do That Anymore”: Lewis Hamilton Refuses To Say the “R” Word, But the End Isn’t Far Away

16 years and still going at the zenith of motorsport without major blips of performance. How hard or easy is it to be Lewis Hamilton and consistently deliver the highest level of performance is beyond our imagination. Yet, the Mercedes driver has evolved a lot and his priorities have also changed since he debuted in 2007. While, he is looking for another contract extension talk with Toto Wolff, there are no signs of that so far.

Hamilton spoke about how motorsport is not the most important thing in his life right now. As per Motorsport-Total.com, in an interview with Sport Bild, he stated, “Sometimes you wake up and have this feeling: I don’t want to do it anymore.” [translated via Google]

“And sometimes you wake up and think: I can do other things for the rest of my life, there is definitely more that I want to achieve. It won’t be a very long time now, but I will definitely stay,” Lewis referred to how his Mercedes contract extension talks have not yet begun. Amid a hectic year of ups and downs, his motivation to stay in F1 also may have taken a hit.

Although the 37-year-old did not mention the “R” word, his comments on how F1’s importance has changed for him pointed in that direction. Lewis said that he is more focused on making memories rather than just racing.

So, the end may not be far away, regarding a Hamilton retirement announcement. Still, his affirmation that he will stay beyond 2023 at least for some time is a great sign for Mercedes.

Read More: 37-Year-Old Lewis Hamilton Makes Startling Retirement Confession Amid Contract Extension Talks: “Worst Case Scenario…”

Everyone expects he will work out another deal as Toto will want Lewis to stay at the Silver Arrows. Nonetheless, whenever Hamilton feels like he doesn’t want to do F1 anymore, he might hang up his helmet.

The F1 return deal between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel

Lewis Hamilton was consistently in denial as Sebastian Vettel raced for the final time in F1 in 2022. At Vettel’s final race, Hamilton cited how he cannot believe that the German driver will stay away from F1. The 7-time champion was hoping how Seb will change his retirement call to return to F1.

Upon this comment, Seb quickly offered Lewis a deal. Vettel said how he would love to return, whenever the Briton retires. Hamilton, who is now 37 is still looking to stay on in the sport for as long as he loves it. But in the next few years, he may call it a day, maybe after sealing his 8th title.

So Sebastian might reverse his decision if Lewis retires at the top after a record-breaking 8th championship. While this was a fun interaction on an emotional final race weekend, Vettel has not ruled out a comeback completely.

Earlier in 2022, he cited how a guest drive at his favorite track Suzuka is an exciting opportunity. Nonetheless, for a full-time return to racing; Vettel may not be coming back unless he gets a lucrative winning-team drive.

Watch This Story: Lewis Hamilton and Co. gather for Sebastian Vettel’s Last Supper in F1

Whether this Hamilton-Vettel deal works out or not, time will tell. Although Vettel would love a one-season Mercedes return for a shot at his 5th world championship. For now, Hamilton hopes to get back to the top and get that 8th, while expecting Seb to return till he is on the grid.