Lewis Hamilton’s thoughts on retirement appear to be gaining traction – Lewis Hamilton, the seven time Formula One World Champion, has reached an enviable point in his career. At the age of 39, he has achieved almost every milestone imaginable in the sport, cementing his place among the all-time greats.
But as he stands on the brink of a potential move to Ferrari, the inevitable question looms large: When will Lewis Hamilton hang up his racing gloves? Amidst the speculation surrounding his future, Lewis Hamilton’s recent return to the top step of the podium has been a significant development.
Mercedes’ trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, offered some insight into the impact these victories have had on Hamilton’s mindset.
After a 31-month drought, Hamilton’s long-awaited victory at the British Grand Prix in July 2024 provided a much-needed boost. That victory at Silverstone was quickly followed by another at Spa-Francorchamps to end the first half of the F1 season on a high.
Despite this resurgence, Shovlin, who has worked closely with Hamilton throughout his tenure at Mercedes, noted that the victories haven’t drastically changed Hamilton’s approach as he nears the end of his time with the team.
“I wouldn’t say a drastic change,” said Shovlin when asked about any noticeable differences in Hamilton since his Silverstone victory. He suggested that the victory was “probably a relief” for the seven-time champion, removing any lingering doubts about whether he could still win at the highest level.
For Lewis Hamilton, the idea of retirement is not just a fleeting thought, but a subject of deep reflection. Known for his intense focus and determination, the British driver has been open about his internal deliberations about how long he will continue to compete at the highest level of motorsport. When asked directly about his retirement plans, Hamilton revealed that the decision is not one he takes lightly. He is listening to his own instincts and taking cues from those around him, including fellow drivers who have already retired.
“There are so many people who have ended their careers early and now wish they had driven a little longer,” Hamilton told Esquire in a revealing interview. This insight from former colleagues has had a significant impact on his outlook.
“They say stay as long as you can! But I only want to drive when I’m still competitive,” added the champion, underlining his desire to leave the sport on his own terms, still at the peak of his powers.
Competing in F1 at nearly 40 is no mean feat. Hamilton acknowledges that age brings its own set of challenges, particularly in maintaining the physical and mental sharpness required to stay competitive. Reflecting on the differences between racing at 22 and 39, Hamilton noted the increased demands on his time and energy.
“When you’re 22, it’s much easier to train. You didn’t have to recover, you didn’t have any responsibilities outside the sport,” he explained.
The demands of the sport, combined with his growing list of commitments outside the track, make it more difficult to maintain the rigorous training regime that has been a cornerstone of his success.
“It’s different now – you have to juggle more things,” he added, highlighting the complex balancing act between his career, personal life and burgeoning non-racing ventures.
As Hamilton prepares to say goodbye to Mercedes at the end of the year, his recent victories have provided a fitting curtain call.Shovlin stressed that the significant development of the W15 over the past two months has transformed the team’s season.
Starting with the fourth-fastest car, Mercedes struggled until a turning point in Montreal, where George Russell secured a podium finish. Three wins in four races followed before the summer break, signalling a remarkable turnaround for the Brackley-based outfit.
Shovlin noted that this improvement has had a noticeable effect on both Hamilton and Russell.
“I think the bigger [change] with both drivers [Hamilton and Russell] is that they’ve realised recently that we’ve got a car that can win races when the track is right,” said Shovlin. This newfound competitiveness has reinvigorated Hamilton, giving him a sense of purpose and excitement as he looks to end his Mercedes career on a high.
One of the key projects occupying Hamilton’s time is his involvement in the Hollywood film industry. He has taken on the role of producer for an upcoming Formula 1 movie starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for his work on Top Gun: Maverick.
This new venture is more than just a passing interest for Hamilton; it is a significant commitment that demands his attention and expertise.
Hamilton has been hands-on in ensuring the authenticity of the film, going so far as to remove unrealistic elements from the script.
“They had this idea of a scene where a car rolls over and then just keeps going. We had to cut that nonsense because we wanted the film to be as authentic as possible,” Hamilton revealed. His commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport, even in its cinematic portrayal, reflects his deep respect for F1 and its fans.
As Hamilton considers his future, a move to Ferrari, one of the most storied teams in F1 history, is looking increasingly likely. This potential move has been the subject of much speculation and excitement among fans and pundits alike. However, the decision to join Ferrari, or indeed to continue racing at all, is closely linked to Hamilton’s wider reflections on his career and life after F1.
“There are days when I want nothing more than a break, a real break that lasts longer than the few weeks between December and January,” Hamilton confessed, alluding to the relentless nature of the sport. Despite these moments of fatigue, Hamilton remains driven by a clear vision for his future.
“But I have a plan for when it should last,” he hinted, leaving fans to wonder how much longer they will see him at the wheel.
Lewis Hamilton’s contemplation of retirement is a poignant reminder that even the greatest athletes must eventually step away from the spotlight. As he weighs his options, balancing his love of racing with the realities of age and his expanding interests, Hamilton remains as thoughtful and deliberate as ever.
Whether he continues to race for a few more seasons or decides to move on to new challenges, one thing is certain: Lewis Hamilton’s F1 legacy is already secure and his next chapter, whatever it may be, will be eagerly awaited by his fans around the world.
