The Formula 1 superstar in a personal conversation: “Children? I do not have time for that”

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Mr Hamilton. You once told me that Hamilton would no longer be seen in a Formula 1 car at the age of 40. And now you’ve signed for another two years.
Lewis Hamilton: I must admit that I underestimated my love for this sport. But it has become a love-hate story. There are days when I’d rather not get into the cockpit.

And now the desire takes over again?
Yes. The duels with my teammate George also give me motivation. You always have to be wide awake.

What is the difference between Hamilton 2007 and Hamilton 2023?
First of all, that’s 16 fucking years. In the first year of Formula 1 I was 22. I was still a child, inexperienced, fast, but I wasn’t feeling very well yet. I was on a journey of discovery about my personality and who I wanted to be.

And now?
I am much happier than I was then and I know who I am. I know my goals off the track and would say I’ve done a lot of things right. I enjoy what I get to do. And we all have to learn to never say never.

You recently said that you were counting down the days until you could drive away in the new Mercedes W15 for the first time this winter. Where do you get the motivation to fight six more races in the inferior W14?
I try to push myself in every race and believe in my team. But it’s true: if you don’t feel the balance in the car, your willingness to take risks decreases.

And then, after more than two years, a pole position suddenly emerged in Budapest.
Yes, that was a highlight. You try to be grateful for everything that crosses your path successfully when you go through such difficult times.

Does this also apply to life off the race tracks?
Yes, for example, I lost my sense of taste for a month during Covid times. And when he came back, wow, you’re just happy and grateful. But that’s just nature.

Back to the W15.
I hope that the amount of data we have collected so far this year will have an impact on the new car. That is the hope of the entire Mercedes team in all factories. We should all always believe in our goals. And never give up.

38 races without a win. A long time for a man with 103 record successes.
We come back. We can do it, the next step to the highest podium will come. And it will probably be my biggest triumph in my career.

Something about your old rival Verstappen?
What do you want to hear? All I can say is keep doing what you’re doing. And Max is doing extraordinary work right now.

In terms of drivers, you, Verstappen and Alonso are on a different level…
I would never say that. All the drivers here are doing a good job. But everyone has different demands, expectations and challenges. But I see many parallels with the young Lewis in the young pilots. This is just great. Fernando, Max and I are usually competitive and will go the furthest to achieve our goals. I can’t say anything about their personality, I have never sat in their living room.

You have been supporting young talents at various levels for a long time. Many fail because they have no support.
That’s right. But let’s look at the reasons for our life on this earth. It doesn’t really matter who we are. When the end approaches, we all have nothing to take with us. But we can leave something behind.

And what?
I think we need more compassion for people, we need people to help others and care for others. I’m grateful to have had this help in my younger years before Formula 1. But most of them suddenly face roadblocks. Then you need the people to clear the road again. In particular, children who are not so privileged should not have fewer opportunities than children from a wealthy background. I’m working on it and hope I can change some things.

A beautiful task that gives you honor. And you are a role model for many. Even with your extravagant clothes. Where do these come from?
From anywhere in the world. Especially from Japan, from young designers, each of whom I support financially. The young fashion designers in Korea are also very creative and always surprise me. I just like presenting myself that way.

You fought with Toto Wolff for the new contract for a long time.
This is not the first time we have spent hours discussing and negotiating details. Always under the motto: From Thursday to Sunday I belong exclusively to Formula 1.

Or else?
There are so many details about my promotional activities. I am in a fortunate position with Toto. He is respected and admired by everyone. It’s easy to negotiate with him. And that makes him a great leader.

Do you still read your contracts yourself? It used to be 80 pages…
Of course I want to know what exactly is in it. But now it’s over 200 pages or a damn book. And that will cost you days!

In your Formula 1 career you always drive with the power of Mercedes. 326 times so far. Never thought about change?
Not really.

So you’ve probably had an offer for Ferrari at some point.
Never. Okay, we’ve definitely had a few irrelevant conversations. I know a lot of good people there. But I never felt ready to move to Italy.

Your number of stage appearances is uncanny – it’s already 196.
That’s crazy, I’ll definitely reach 200 (laughs).

Nico Hülkenberg has completed 197 races and has never been on the podium.
In 2010 he missed pole position for Williams in Brazil.

Many drivers stopped and then came back.
That won’t happen to me. When capital is over, it’s over. I can’t imagine standing in the paddock or garage without then getting into a car. But like I said before: never say never.

You will be 39 years old in January. It might be time to think about children…
(Think) Not at the moment. No. I don’t have time for that; I enjoy being an uncle!

So you don’t want to take responsibility?
Exactly, I haven’t decided yet about this big step. I still have goals with the race car – and everything has to take a back seat. I want to do my job 100 percent. Of course, you have to find the necessary balance and compromises with your private life. But fortunately that day has not yet arrived.

Maybe after the eighth World Cup title?
I never said that the eighth title was a stop signal for me. But I won’t know until I’m actually there.

So it all depends on the new Mercedes W15.
They say it. Without a great car you can hardly achieve the big goals in Formula 1.

Source : Blick