Lewis Hamilton: ‘I can’t watch the news’

Lewis Hamilton is statistically the greatest Formula 1 driver of all-time; however, 2022 was the worst season in his 16-year career.

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a truly mesmerising career at the pinnacle of motorsport, with the 38-year-old having achieved everything and more that he could’ve possibly dreamt of.

It’s remarkable to think that the British driver made his debut all the way back in 2007 and claimed his first win in just his sixth Formula 1 race, at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Most F1 drivers would take a single victory with open arms, let alone 103!

The same can be said for pole positions, with the vast majority of racing drivers hailing one pole or a victory as an enormous accomplishment, so what does 103 of each feel like?

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Hamilton is in a league of his own when it comes to most wins and most pole positions, with nobody being likely to ever come close to eclipsing his records.

Given how much he’s achieved, what is it that continues to give him the motivation and the energy to continue?

The Mercedes star revealed just that in a recent podcast appearance, with the Stevenage-born driver having explained the emotions behind winning and looking at the “bigger picture”, of “fighting to change the world”.

“Success is so short-lived. You win a race then go home,” Hamilton said on the ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty’ podcast.

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“It is so intense, a stressful environment for everyone working in it. Then you go home and there is a huge come-down for one or two days later. 

“Trying to balance those emotions? That emotional rollercoaster? Figuring out ways to keep it balanced is key for me.

“It is about the bigger picture. I am fighting for something greater than winning a race. I am fighting to change the world. I can’t watch the news. There are people out there doing really great things – I want to be a part of that inspirational bubble. 

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“Look how bad our leaders are in government! We need to inspire a next generation of thought leaders.

“I am trying to learn new tools that I didn’t have when I was a kid – I didn’t have yoga, meditation, podcasts!”

An unprecedented eighth World Championship would be the cherry on top in terms of his F1 career; however, Hamilton has gone on to do so much more with his platform, including, setting up his own charitable foundation, Mission 44.