Lewis Hamilton Names the Event Which Won’t Be a “Deciding Factor” in Leaving F1

At 36 years of age and with 14 full seasons of racing at the highest levels under his belt, Lewis Hamilton is one of the longest-serving drivers in F1 history.

What’s more, he is one of the most successful ones, at least on paper. So, one can say that he is in the last leg of his professional career.

Not to forget that he is chasing a record-breaking 8th world title in the upcoming season. So, assuming that he manages to surpass Michael Schumacher at the end of the year, what next after that? What motivates the Briton to continue in the sport?

Along with his 1-year deal (more on that later), this has led many to believe that he may hang up his boots at the end of the season.

But his beliefs are not aligned with what the average fan thinks. For him, as long as the fire inside keeps burning bright and there’s a will to get up early in the morning, he shall continue.

“I’ve made a really important decision in my mind, that I don’t want that to be the deciding factor,” said Hamilton. “I got into racing because I loved racing. I think that’s got to always be at the core of what I do.

“If I don’t love racing, if all you’re going for is accolades, if all you’re going for is titles, I feel like I could potentially lose my way… It’s going back to – do you enjoy it?”

Lewis Hamilton reaffirms his commitment to F1 despite the 1-year deal

Now, coming to the elephant in the room – his 1-year deal. Many were expecting him to at least sign a multi-year deal, but this surprised a few. Admittedly, it does Hamilton no favors in quashing the rumors of his potential retirement.

But the man was himself on hand to assure his fanatics of his devotion to F1. He wishes to wait and see what changes the coming season brings –

“I’m in the fortunate position that I don’t have to commit to multiple years so I chose to have a one-year deal then I could see how the year goes, where we’re at mid-year or towards the end of the year. Who knows whether we’ll still be in a pandemic. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not still committed very much to the sport.”

The Pandemic, together with a proposed budget cap, may have played a part. Let’s wait and see if his future lies with Mercedes or someone else.

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