Just a few months ago, Mika Hakkinen questioned the ability of Lewis Hamilton to deliver at the top level because of his age. He said that with age, priorities change and Lewis’ head was not 100 percent in racing anymore. Formula 1 is a demanding sport, and Hamilton has devoted 17 years of his life to it. But he isn’t stopping there.

Yes, last night, Mercedes finally confirmed the seven-time champion’s extended stay at Brackley until the end of 2025. The deal isn’t just a continued partnership, but a testament to their belief in each other. It is also a testament to the faith Hamilton has that he can win that elusive eighth championship.

“Does Lewis have enough energy to wake up every morning, give his everything, and bring results so that he can beat his team-mate?” Hakkinen had asked. With his new deal, Hamilton not only confirmed that he’s, in fact, in this for the long haul but also has it in him to compete against Max Verstappen and Red Bull. What he said revealed just how much Formula 1 means to him.

Formula 1 is Lewis Hamilton’s priority

It’s no secret that the 38-year-old has other things going on in his life, given he is a successful entrepreneur as well. But as a 38-year-old, in a sport with more drivers in their 20s than their 30s, Hamilton has to put in that extra effort just to keep up with the younger generation physically.

In an interview, the seven-time champion even revealed, “I’ve been here a long, long time, but I can’t sacrifice less than these young guys. I have to train harder because it takes longer to recover.”

In the same interview, he even said, “I think it’s just really about the mental state and how much you’re willing to continue to sacrifice.” Well, it looks like Hamilton, despite all his other commitments, is ready to give F1 all it takes to achieve what he wants.

As per a recent interview, Hamilton revealed, “There are times where you’re like, ‘Maybe I just want to go and chill on the beach and just live a normal life.’ But that’s never going to be me. Being as competitive as I am, to this day, I still have that competitive fight within me. I still hate losing like ever before.”

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While the past couple of seasons have been tough for him, they’ve only made Hamilton hungrier to taste the feeling of winning again. He continued, “I love getting in the car and strapping up, and then getting out there on track and then try to put it on the edge. I’m willing to commit the time that it takes to be great. I’m going to keep going.”

With F1 currently witnessing Verstappen and Red Bull dominance, Hamilton’s dream might take a little longer to achieve. But he’s ready to make another sacrifice for his future with the Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton is ready to sacrifice the present for the future

The seven-time champion’s off-track activities might have to take a back seat for a bit longer. Right now, Hamilton’s role in his driving seat is his priority. Working to return to the front with Mercedes is his priority. Mercedes’ best result can only be a P2 in the championship this season behind Red Bull.

Hamilton revealed whatever happens to him this year wouldn’t make a difference to him. That he’s ready to sacrifice this season’s underwhelming results for a fighting chance next season.

As reported by Mirror, the 38-year-old told Channel 4, “I really don’t care what position I finish in this year. I’m just focused on just trying to give the best development information for the team… Working with the guys to make sure we steer this car in the right way. And when we start the first race or the first test next year, we hit the ground running.”

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How much longer do you think it’ll take Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes to return to winning ways?