“Motorsport Isn’t the Most Important Thing for Me”: After Hitting Career’s Lowest Point, Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Life Beyond F1

Lewis Hamilton would love to erase 2022 off his life for eternity. The torrid experience he had with the Mercedes W13 was one of the lowest points in his F1 career. While Hamilton usually is brimming with optimism, his statements during this season were not reflecting the same. Yet, Lewis expressed how much importance F1 has got for him after his first winless season.

In an interview with Sport Bild, Hamilton expressed how similar to his rival and friend Sebastian Vettel, F1’s place in his heart has changed. He stated, “Motorsport isn’t the most important thing for me either. When I was a kid maybe it was. Probably also when I got into Formula 1.” [translated via Google]

Lewis was an absolute hit in the F1 paddock in his rookie year. Being on the pace with reigning champion Fernando Alonso, he focused on being relentless and winning on track every day. Though since then, his focus has changed drastically.

The Briton added, “Ever since I was in my 30s, I’ve realized that it’s all about making memories. With friends, with family. It’s about key memories with the people who mean the most to you.”

Hamilton’s focus on making memories over racing hints at how he is at the twilight of his career. While he may stick out in the sport for some time, the 37-year-old will be looking at his life beyond F1.

Read More: 37-Year-Old Lewis Hamilton Knows When He Will Hang Up His Helmet: “If a Day Comes When…”

Lewis may have thought about his retirement plans. But he still looks at signing up another contract with Mercedes for 2023 and beyond. Yet, the day is not far away when he doesn’t want to do F1 anymore. The Briton might just hope he can end his career on a high.

Can Lewis Hamilton manage to cap off a Fairytale finish to his F1 career?

Back in 2016, Nico Rosberg scripted out a perfect climax to his story arc in F1. Winning the championship and retiring at the helm of his career. That is what every athlete dreams of. Lewis Hamilton might also want to pull off a similar feat.

Lewis has got a pretty fitting story arc for his fairytale finish too. If he can win that record-breaking 8th world title, it would be an enormous occasion and a splendid moment for Hamilton to take center stage and bid goodbye to the sport. But, given his drive and passion to keep going, will he want to close his career on that note as Rosberg did?

Often, sportsmen have this passion to keep going deep into their careers. They miss out on the perfect opportunity to retire at the top and have an epilogue to their final triumph in the sport. If Hamilton doesn’t choose to retire after another championship win, he may lose out on that fairytale finish too.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton ranking his F1 world titles from 2008 to 2020

Whenever Hamilton opts for hanging up his boots, it will be a huge moment for F1. Whether that moment comes sooner or later depends on the Briton’s wish. For now, he hopes to chase that 8th elusive championship. Do you think Lewis can manage to cap off his career in style?