Sir Lewis Hamilton has faced a disappointing 2022 season, which comes on the back of his agonising title defeat in the “manipulated” 2021 season finale.
Had the rules at Abu Dhabi been followed, then perhaps Hamilton would be much more open to the possibility of retiring soon, especially as he’d be an unprecedented eight-time World Champion.
However, as well known the rules weren’t followed by Michael Masi, with Hamilton still wanting to “try and accomplish” the eighth World Championship that continues to elude him.
That eighth crown which would take him beyond Michael Schumacher’s seven, it certainly won’t come in 2022, as Hamilton currently sits sixth in the championship.
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It’s been a difficult year for Hamilton and Mercedes, with the team having made a mess with the W13.
The team’s 2022 car certainly hasn’t suited the new aerodynamic regulations, with the 37-year-old having experienced horrific spinal pain early in the year at Azerbaijan as a result of aggressive porpoising.
Whilst the team have improved as the season has gone on, Mercedes are still unable to challenge Red Bull competitively, with the Silver Arrows yet to win a race this season.
If Mercedes don’t claim a single victory from one of the remaining six races, then it would represent the end of the Germans streak of having won at least once every year since 2012.
Hamilton’s personal winning record is at an even bigger risk, with the British driver having claimed a victory in every single season of F1 he’s competed in.
Despite the 103-time GP winner’s record dating back to 2007 being at serious risk of ending, the Mercedes driver doesn’t see himself retiring any time soon.
Hamilton is supposedly feeling “healthier” than ever before, whilst also continuing to “love” what he does.
“For years we’ve been going around, up and down with stories of retirement and stopping,” said Hamilton.
“For me, I feel healthier than I’ve ever felt, as I focus a lot on that – I’m feeling fit. I love what I’m doing and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”
Hamilton has technically been a Mercedes driver since his karting days, with it being his goal to “always” be part of the manufacturer.
The 37-year-old only sees his partnership with the Germans ending when he dies, with Hamilton keen on accomplishing a lot more “together”.
“My goal was always to be with Mercedes,” revealed the number 44.
“I love that we have the long partnership we have. I feel like we are embarking on a lot of really positive things, not only in the sport, but outside. I think there’s a lot of work, a lot to accomplish together, so I want to be a part of that.
“I think I’ll always be with Mercedes until the day I die. I feel like I can race for quite a bit longer, so I’ll be potentially steering towards that.”
With the Brit looking to race in F1 seemingly beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of 2023, Hamilton has gone back to the idea of claiming an eighth world title, something he’d be “so proud” to achieve.
“For sure, it’s a challenge. For me, it’s just winning another World Championship,” Hamilton added.
“[With] every one, I’ve approached it as my first, and the feeling of winning the World Championship is so unique and special in its own way.
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“Of course, the idea that no driver in history has ever gone past seven, you want to try and accomplish that. But I guess – as you get older – you realise the journey is the most important part and the ride that you do with all the people, and all the people that you bring with you, and all the people that you try to elevate…
“There’s an opportunity to elevate lots of people, not only in your team, but with the work that we’re doing, with Mission 44 [his charitable foundation] – there’s a much bigger picture to it.
“But from a personal point of view, winning another world title continues to be a goal. I’ll be so proud to be able to do that for this team.”