After the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, there was speculation about F1 farewell to record world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Briton himself further fueled the rumors with his statements. A few days later it sounds completely different now.
Lewis Hamilton signaled to media representatives that he had not yet given up on his big goal: a world title with Ferrari.
“It’s about always keeping the dream in mind,” said the F1 veteran. “I still have a dream that I hold in my heart and I’m working towards it.”
The motivation for the great success is still there. Hamilton made it clear that even the sobering year without a podium had not taken away the fun he had in his job.
“It’s the love of what you do, the love of racing,” said the Ferrari driver. “I get great support from the people around me, from my fans.”
Rosberg: Hamilton doesn’t feel like it anymore
After the last race of the year, the racing icon sounded very thoughtful on Sunday and did not completely rule out retirement. “I don’t think about the future. I just think about Christmas and spending time with the family,” were his words.
Ex-colleague Nico Rosberg, however, believes that Hamilton has already mentally finished with Formula 1.
“He’s in a quandary because I’m sure he would like to quit,” the 2016 world champion told Sky. From his point of view, Hamilton is clearly no longer interested in another season. But saying goodbye would be a “total loss of face.”
“He has just started this Ferrari project. Giving up after just one season is not possible,” says Rosberg. “He’s completely stuck there. I think he has no other option than to try again next year. But of course it could always get worse.”