Lewis Hamilton, the legendary Formula 1 driver, has defied expectations by winning multiple world championships in his early 30s. He had previously hinted that he wouldn't race beyond the age of 40, often joking about not wanting to be the oldest driver on the grid.
His recent plans have taken a surprising turn.
In a recent interview, Hamilton revealed his intention to sign a new multi-year deal with Mercedes, challenging his own previous statements. While his current contract expires in 2023 when he will be 38, even a two-year extension would exceed the age milestone he had playfully mentioned.
What prompted this change of heart?
Hamilton admitted that he couldn't pinpoint a specific reason for wanting to continue racing beyond 40. He rejected the notion of gradually winding down until retirement, emphasizing that his off-track interests, supported by Mercedes, help maintain his energy on the track.
Hamilton has made it clear that his future isn't solely defined by winning an eighth title or breaking records. Despite his loss to Max Verstappen last year, he sees it as an ongoing journey with Mercedes, especially as the team navigates the challenges posed by new regulations in 2022.
Retiring while the team is still striving for success is not something he would consider.
Reflecting on this year's struggles, Hamilton admitted that it's difficult to determine how much they influenced his desire to continue racing.
He draws energy from witnessing the team's growth and unity during tough times, noticing a vulnerability in his colleagues that he hadn't seen before.
Hamilton credits his improved health and fitness for his longevity in the sport.
Switching to a plant-based diet in 2018 was a "life-changing" decision, and he has become more diligent in taking care of his physical well-being as he acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peak conditions over time.
Maintaining a healthy mental state and finding balance in life are also priorities for Hamilton. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to protect his energy and prevent emotional overwhelm.
As Hamilton enjoys a lengthy career, he draws inspiration from other athletes who have continued competing at an older age.
Tennis greats Serena Williams and Roger Federer retired this year in their early 40s, while his close friend Tom Brady extended his NFL career despite the sport's physical demands.
Hamilton's team leader at Mercedes, Toto Wolff, plans to discuss his next contract extension, which is expected to run until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Given Hamilton's enthusiasm, there's no reason to believe that this will be his final contract extension in Formula 1. When he eventually retires, he will be well over 40 years old.
