Hamilton not yet thinking about the end of his career

At 36, Lewis Hamilton is now part of the Formula 1 veterans club! Only Kimi Räikkönen (41) and Fernando Alonso (39) are older than the Briton on the starting grid for the 2021 season.

But age has not yet taken hold of the reigning world champion: the Mercedes leader appeared very confident at the press conference this Thursday in Bahrain.

No need to dramatize about Mercedes’ performance.

Hamilton doesn’t seem to be much bothered by the possible battle with Red Bull. The supposed difficulties with the rear of the W12? Not so serious according to the seven-time world champion: “I think we are in good shape. The work will continue until the car is as we want it. I am positive for this weekend.”

« We tried to quantify our problems. I think this kind of thing happens with a new car. I am confident in the work of our team. There are uncertainties but we already have a better feeling with the car. It’s a constant struggle, » Hamilton reminded journalists who interviewed him.

Lewis Hamilton: « there are unknowns but we already have a better feeling with the car. »

Also asked about the progression of the Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas admits that the team obviously struggled during winter testing. The Finn justifies: it was extreme conditions, with wind. The weather compromised our changes and our testing learning. The fact is that we are struggling with the balance of our car.

The team is fully committed to improving our approach for this weekend. The unknown factor is how much we have recovered from the winter tests. But the season is very long, there is no reason to panic!

Retirement can wait

Another key topic of the conversation on Thursday, Hamilton was asked about his future. While McLaren’s executive director Zak Brown sees him leaving at the end of the year, his response is not that of a disinterested driver:

I am fully committed to this sport: it’s always the best place. I love what I do. I am still fully excited. We are going to have a great battle in one way or another this season. That’s what I love!

My last season? I’m not in a position where I think “it’s the end.” We have a new team, a new qualification format. I don’t feel like it’s the end of my career. I love my collaboration with my team.

Lewis Hamilton: « I am not in a position where I say to myself “this is the end. »

Next to Formula 1, Hamilton also emphasized that he will continue this year his commitment in the struggle for social equality. He will still be one of the spearheads of the Black Lives Matter movement. “I tried to re-educate myself facing the problems of our world. It didn’t stop with winter,” added the driver, still motivated at the start of the new season!