Brackley, England: Mercedes AMG Petronas Team racer, Lewis Hamilton, insists that any result at the end of the 2021 season will not determine the continuation of his career in the Formula 1 (F1) arena. Although in fact, he has a chance to seal the eighth title this season.
The 36-year-old British racer is contracted by Mercedes until the end of 2021. During the launch event of the new Mercedes AMG Petronas race car on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, Hamilton said he was determined to give the best results for the team.
I came down to racing because I love racing and I think that has always been at the core of what I do
Hamilton said, as quoted by Reuters.
If I don’t love racing, if what you are after is solely achievement, if all you are after is titles, I feel I could lose my way,
he continued
Obviously this is the ultimate dream (to become world champion eight times) but I don’t think it should be a factor in determining whether I stay or keep going
said the most successful racer in F1 history.
Hamilton has tasted the top podium in the races in every season he has participated in since his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. Last season, he won 11 of the 17 races that took place amid the pandemic.
The Briton now holds a record 95 Grand Prix wins, 98 pole positions, and 165 podium finishes. He missed one race last season when he contracted COVID-19 and this year he is still the favorite driver to become world champion again.
Hamilton was also knighted by the British Empire after winning his seventh title in F1.
Last year was a tough year for everyone, including myself. But I think there were moments that were very impactful
he said
Will it happen again this year? We’ll see. Will I enjoy it again? We’ll see.
The only black racer on the F1 grid is also an activist who speaks out loudly against racism and inequality.
At the Mercedes team car launch event, Hamilton also said his focus this year had changed from just winning championships to promoting diversity in F1.
