Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he often thinks about quitting the sport, despite being set to take up one more contract.
Hamilton has been a powerhouse since entering the sport, winning seven championship for McLaren and Mercedes including six of seven between 2014 and 2020.
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He famously missed a record eighth title in 2021 after the controversial Abu Dhabi finish, which saw Max Verstappen claim his first title.
The 2022 season was also one of Hamilton’s worst as the sport grappled with the new technical regulations for the season.
It was the first season of Hamilton’s 16-year career he hasn’t claimed a win.
The 37-year-old is clearly closer to the end than the beginning of his career, but Hamilton has sensationally revealed he dreams of quitting the sport.
“Sometimes you wake up and have this feeling: I don’t want to do this anymore,” he told German newspaper Bild.
“And sometimes you wake up and think: I can still do other things my whole life, there is definitely more I want to achieve.”
Hamilton is contracted to Mercedes for next season and is expected to sign one more contract before the end of his career, admitting: “It won’t be a huge time now, but I will definitely stay.”
While the argument about the greatest ever driver will always rage, Hamilton has build a strong record, breaking several all-time marks in his incredible resume.
Hamilton is the only driver to have claimed over 100 wins (currently 103), the most pole positions (103, 35 ahead of the second placed Michael Schumacher) and the most podium finishes (191 — Schumacher second on 155).
He also shares the most world championships with Schumacher at seven.
But there is still something Hamilton wants to achieve.
“Quitting as a world champion is, I think, a dream that every athlete has – and so do I,” Hamilton said.
“For me, motorsport is not the most important thing either. When I was a kid, maybe it was. Probably also when I came to Formula 1.
“Since I’ve been in my 30s, I’ve realised that it’s all about creating memories. With friends, with family.
“It’s about key memories with the people who mean the most to you. That’s what I focus on and plan things to create these moments. Because that’s what you take with you in the long run.”