Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2007, finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship, missing the title by a single point. A year later, he claimed his first championship in dramatic fashion, overtaking Timo Glock in the final corner of the Brazilian Grand Prix to snatch victory from Felipe Massa.
Hamilton, who will turn 40 by the time he debuts for Ferrari next year, believes he’s only improved with age. “Honestly, I feel healthier than ever,” he told The Times. “Physically and mentally, I’m in a great place. My reaction times are still faster than the younger drivers. I think I’m a better driver now than when I was 22.”
He reflected on his earlier career, saying, “Back then, I was young, energetic, and ruthless, but I lacked finesse and balance. I didn’t know how to be a team player or a leader. Being a good racing driver isn’t just about speed; it’s about being well-rounded.”
Hamilton also opened up about his struggles with mental health, revealing that the pressure of racing from a young age, combined with bullying at school, left him feeling isolated.
In February, Hamilton made headlines with the announcement of his departure from Mercedes after over a decade to join Ferrari in a “multi-year” deal. This move will reunite him with Team Principal Fred Vasseur, co-founder of ART Grand Prix, where Hamilton won the GP2 title in 2006.
Since joining Mercedes in 2013, Hamilton has won six additional titles, often battling fiercely with teammate Nico Rosberg. In the 2024 season, he has already secured two race victories, including a memorable win at Silverstone. He currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, just 16 points behind Carlos Sainz, whom he is set to replace at Ferrari.
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