F1 News: Lewis Hamilton's Racing Focus Questioned As Contract Fears Rise

Mika Hakkinen questions how much focus Lewis Hamilton is putting on racing, compared to his other responsibilities.

Mika Hakkinen, two-time World Champion, recently shared his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton's present commitment to Formula 1 racing. Hakkinen thinks the British driver, currently 38 years old, might not be as fully invested in the sport as he used to be. He also questions whether he still has the energy to fight off his young teammate, the up-and-coming George Russell. 

Hamilton's professional course has been the epicentre of abundant speculation. However, recent rumours suggest that he is on the verge of renewing his contract with Mercedes, following deliberations with team chief, Toto Wolff, ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix. 

The rumour predicts Hamilton's contract with Mercedes to be extended by only a single year, with a second year on the cards if his performance is good enough. At the same time, he'll also be taking a pay cut, from the $55 million-a-year contract he was on previously. 

While this rumour covers his Mercedes allegiance, others wonder if the 7-time champion could instead move to the Scuderia, with him looking for more performance within Ferrari for his 8th title. Both he, and Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur, have rebutted these claims, but the idea still remains. 

Hakkinen, an acclaimed world champion with McLaren in 1998 and 1999, perceives a potential shift in Hamilton's priorities, a transformation that is customary with the flux of time. According to Hakkinen, the strain of competing against the rising star George Russell in each race might not constitute the "right future" for Hamilton.

In conversation with Unibet regarding the swirling rumours of Hamilton's association with the Italian team, Hakkinen stated:

“Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari would be a surprise.

“Does money motivate drivers? I know Lewis’ head is not 100% in racing anymore. It’s completely normal.

“But does money motivate? Of course it does, but there are many risks involved. I think it’s highly unlikely he will join Ferrari.

“I always say that when people get older, the order of your thoughts change. Your priorities in life change.

“Formula 1 just won’t be the most important thing anymore. It wouldn’t surprise me when the competition gets tougher and young drivers emerge, what George Russell is doing with Lewis at the moment, result-wise, it’s not an easy situation.

“Does Lewis have enough energy to wake up every morning, give his everything and bring results so that he can beat his team-mate? Is that the right future for him?”

It comes as no surprise that the talented George Russell is giving Hamilton a run for his money, with Mercedes surely very happy with their selection of drivers. Their only focus now is the W14, which will undergo further upgrades for the British Grand Prix at the iconic Silverstone circuit. 

Hamilton's focus, on the other hand, is wavering between racing and several other projects. His countless investments, racing teams, charities, and even movie will all be playing on his mind. And like Hakkinen questions: where does racing come in his list of responsibilities? I don't think we'll ever know. 

But with the driver's contract to be revealed later this week - hopefully - we'll know more details as and when.