Lewis Hamilton: I don’t have time for children yet

Lewis Hamilton will not be able to win the title this year, but if he continues to catch up to Sergio Perez, who has not been doing well lately, there is a chance that he will become vice-champion. This is obviously not enough for him, but since his contract with the team has been extended until the end of 2025, he will get at least two more attempts to win an eighth title.

In an interview with Swiss tabloid Blick, Lewis confirmed that he has not yet achieved all his goals in Formula 1.

Q: You once said in one of your interviews that you wouldn’t start racing in Formula 1 until you were 40, and now you’ve extended your contract for another two years…
Lewis Hamilton: I must admit that I underestimated my love for this sport at the time. But in Formula 1 there is only one step from love to hate, and there are days when I don’t want to get behind the wheel.

Question: But then the passion for racing takes over?
Lewis Hamilton: Yes. In addition, duels with George Russell, my partner, provide extra motivation. You always have to be on your guard with him.

Question: What is the difference between Lewis Hamilton who made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 and Lewis Hamilton in 2023?
Lewis Hamilton: First of all, they are separated by 16 incredibly difficult years. When I made my debut in Formula 1, I was 22. You could say that this is still a childhood age, and I had no experience, but I already had the speed. I can’t say that I felt very comfortable at that time felt because I was just starting to get to know myself and understand who I wanted to be.

Question: And now?
Lewis Hamilton: I am much happier now than I was then because I know who I am. I know what my goals are off the track, and I can say that I am doing a lot of things well. I love the work I do. I also encourage everyone to understand this: never say never.

Question: You recently said that during winter testing you literally count the days left until you drive a new Mercedes car for the first time. So what motivates you to battle in the remaining races of the season, while still piloting the erratic W14?
Lewis Hamilton: In every race I try to give the best of myself and believe in our team. But I agree: if you feel that the balance of the car leaves much to be desired, the desire to take risks decreases. But I hope that the enormous amount of data we have collected this year will help in the development process of the new chassis. The entire Mercedes team hopes for this, because we must always maintain confidence in success. We never give up.

Question: For 38 races you haven’t been able to reach the top step of the podium. This is quite a long period for a man who has 103 wins.
Lewis Hamilton: We return to the previous level, we can do it. I only have one step left to reach the podium, and this will probably be the most important achievement of my career.

Question: What can you say about Max Verstappen, your old rival?
Lewis Hamilton: What do you want me to say? I can only advise him to continue what he is doing. He carries out his tasks extremely successfully with a Red Bull car.

Question: When we talk about the drivers of the championship, only three perform at a higher level compared to the rest: Verstappen, Fernando Alonso and you…
Lewis Hamilton: I wouldn’t say that. All Formula 1 drivers are good in their own way, but they all have their own demands, difficulties and hopes. By the way, I see many similarities between today’s young pilots and the young Lewis. This is amazing!

Fernando, Max and I – we are almost always competitive and ready to go to the end to achieve our goals. But I can’t say anything about the young boys as individuals; I have never interacted with them in daily life.

Q: You have been helping young talents for a long time, because many do not achieve success just because they do not have financial support.
Lewis Hamilton: It is correct. Let’s think about why we live on this earth in the first place. It doesn’t really matter who we are. When life comes to an end, we still can’t take anything with us. But we can leave something behind.

I think we need to treat others with more compassion, empathize with them, and have people there to help them and care about them. I am grateful that I had such help in my youth, even before Formula 1. But in most cases, young people face serious obstacles. That is why there must be people who help them clear the way.

First of all, children who did not grow up in the best conditions need this, but they should have no fewer opportunities than those born in wealthy families. I am dealing with this problem and I hope I can change some things.

Q: This is a noble mission, it honors you, and many consider you a role model. This also includes imitating your extravagant clothing style. Where do all these outfits come from?
Lewis Hamilton: From different countries of the world, mainly from Japan, from Kenzo, but also from young fashion designers, and I give financial support to everyone. For example, I am always amazed by the creativity of young designers from South Korea. I just like expressing myself this way.

Question: You had a long argument with Toto Wolff about the details of your new contract…
Lewis Hamilton: This is not the first time that we have spent long hours discussing all the nuances, but one condition always remains the same: during race weekends, from Thursday to Sunday, I belong only to Formula 1.

Q: What about other conditions?
Lewis Hamilton: The contract stipulates in detail my participation in marketing activities. Overall, I was lucky to have such a great boss like Toto. Everyone respects and admires him. Negotiating with him is easy and pleasant.

Q: Do you still personally review all your contracts? Previously, these documents contained eighty pages…
Lewis Hamilton: Of course I want to know exactly what it says. Now the contract has more than 200 pages, it is a whole book. It will take several days to read it!

Q: Apparently you plan to drive Mercedes cars until the end of your Formula 1 career. Have you ever wanted to move to another team?
Lewis Hamilton: Not really.

Question: Maybe you once received offers from Ferrari?
Lewis Hamilton: Never. Let’s just say we had a few conversations, but they didn’t mean anything. I know a lot of good people in this team, but I never wanted to move to Italy.

Question: It happens that drivers leave Formula 1, but then return…
Lewis Hamilton: This won’t happen to me. When this chapter of my life is over, it will be over. I can’t imagine standing in a paddock or garage without being able to ride. But I repeat: never say never.

Question: You will be 39 years old in January. Isn’t it time to think about procreation?
Lewis Hamilton: No not now. I don’t have time for children and I love being an uncle to my nephews!

Question: So you just don’t want to take responsibility?
Lewis Hamilton: Absolutely right. I’m not ready to take such a serious step yet. I haven’t achieved all my goals in a race car yet and I want to give 100% at work. Of course, you have to find the right compromise so that there is a certain balance with your private life. Fortunately, the day has not yet come for me when I have to take such a step.

Q: Maybe after you win your eighth title?
Lewis Hamilton: I never said I would retire after winning my eighth title. But I can only answer this question if I win it.