Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, has ignited a firestorm of debate with a candid interview, asserting that his unmarried status is a key factor in his ability to compete and win in his 40s.
The 40-year-old, who recently made a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, also lashed out at critics, particularly those he describes as “old white men,” following Eddie Jordan’s scathing assessment of Ferrari’s decision to hire him.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which resulted in Carlos Sainz’s departure, was branded “absolutely suicidal” by former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan. However, Hamilton, who topped a pre-season testing session in Bahrain, remains unfazed.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” Hamilton declared in an interview with Time magazine.
“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. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.”
He further emphasized his unwavering focus on winning, stating, “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.”
This statement comes after previous public relationships with figures like Rita Ora, Winnie Harlow, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Hamilton’s comments appear to directly counter sentiments expressed by his former Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff, who, in a recently published book, suggested that Hamilton’s departure was beneficial for the team, as it eliminated the need to discuss “stopping” with the iconic driver. Wolff also implied that everyone “has a shelf life.”
Drawing inspiration from American sports legends Tom Brady and LeBron James, Hamilton dismissed the notion that age is a barrier to success. “I’m built different,” he reiterated, highlighting his unique position as a Black driver in a predominantly white sport.
Addressing the criticism from figures like Eddie Jordan, Hamilton said, “I’ve always welcomed the negativity. I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing. How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”
His performance in pre-season testing in Bahrain provided a tangible response to his critics. After a challenging first day, Hamilton demonstrated his adaptability and speed, topping the second day’s session.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has already backed Hamilton to challenge Max Verstappen for the championship this season, suggesting that Red Bull may be vulnerable.
“Verstappen is not going to be a problem for Lewis this year,” Montoya stated.
