F1 News: Lewis Hamilton's Big Reveal About His Formula 1 Future - "Better To Take A Sabbatical"

Lewis Hamilton isn't going anywhere after winning his eighth title.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has revealed key aspects of his Formula 1 future. The seven-time world champion conveyed a preference for taking a sabbatical to assess his racing desire, emphasizing that he would rather step away than stay in the pits. Although eager to secure an eighth title, Hamilton suggests that achieving this milestone won't necessarily mark the culmination of his ultimate goals.

Mercedes shoulders a significant responsibility to provide Hamilton with a championship-winning car, particularly after he endured two winless years since the inception of the ground effect era in 2022. 

Turning 39 recently, the British driver realizes that time is scarce, but a championship win is crucial for him to go down in the history books as the greatest driver. While the team back at Brackley is focused on building a car capable of challenging Red Bull at the front, Hamilton revealed plans for his future in Formula 1. When asked if he would end his F1 career after an eighth title win, he told Formule1 :

“I never said that an eighth title would be the end point. And I don't know what follows after driving in Formula 1. I don't necessarily feel the desire to remain active in Formula 1 any longer, but as I said before: never say 'never'.

"I can't imagine not riding anymore and still being in a pit box somewhere. I would probably think: 'I could stick with it for another year, then I could still participate.' So it would probably be better to take a sabbatical and then see if I would still like to come back.”

In response to Sebastian Vettel disclosing his prospects of returning to F1, the Mercedes driver acknowledged that it didn't come as much of a surprise, as such occurrences have been part of the sport's history. He said:

“It didn't surprise me, because you see it more often with retired drivers. Fernando Alonso came back, Michael Schumacher too. I have also seen it with athletes from other sports and have spoken to a few about it. They said, 'You're losing something you've done all your life. Suddenly it's gone.' Then you can miss it and I can imagine that it is an incredible hole to fall into.”

Keep up with the latest news on YouTube!