BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton ruthlessly shuts down Toto Wolff and explains why he has no wife or kids…read more
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has responded to Toto Wolff’s suggestion that he may be past his best, citing his unwavering focus on winning as the key to his continued success in Formula One. Hamilton, who recently made the shocking switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, has been gearing up for his first season with the Italian team.
Wolff, Hamilton’s former team principal at Mercedes, had written in a book published last November that Hamilton’s departure from the team would be beneficial, as it would avoid the awkward moment when they would have to tell the sport’s most iconic driver that they wanted to stop. Wolff also expressed his belief that every driver has a shelf life, and that cognitive sharpness is extremely important in the sport.
However, Hamilton was unbothered by Wolff’s comments, and instead, used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to winning. “The old man is a state of mind,” Hamilton said in an interview with TIME. “Of course, your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man.”
Hamilton, who has been in several high-profile relationships, including with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, claims that his decision not to settle down and start a family has allowed him to maintain his focus on winning. “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” he said. “I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.”
Hamilton’s determination to succeed is evident in his words, as he emphasized that his priority is winning, above all else. “You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history,” he said. “Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
As Hamilton prepares to take on his former team, Mercedes, and other title contenders, including McLaren and Red Bull, he remains confident in his ability to succeed. Despite the inevitable rivalry that will ensue, Hamilton wishes his former employers all the best, acknowledging the success they shared together during his time at Mercedes.
“There is no bad blood,” Hamilton said. “Absolutely not. We won so many championships [together]. They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more world championships. I have no doubt.” With his focus firmly on winning, Hamilton is ready to take on the challenges of the new season, and prove his doubters wrong.
