Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has responded to recent remarks by Sir Jackie Stewart, who suggested that Hamilton might not secure an eighth F1 title due to a perceived loss of hunger and ongoing challenges.
In a spirited reply, Hamilton reaffirmed his commitment to winning another championship and expressed his desire to inspire the next generation of drivers.
Hamilton’s determination to clinch an eighth title comes on the heels of a contentious 2021 season in which he narrowly lost the championship to Max Verstappen.
Verstappen has since established himself as a dominant force in the sport, poised to secure his third consecutive title this year.
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Despite the formidable competition, Hamilton remains firmly dedicated to Formula 1.
He recently signed a new two-year contract extension with Mercedes, committing to the team until the conclusion of 2025.
However, Sir Jackie Stewart, a respected figure in the world of motorsport, had voiced concerns about Hamilton’s prospects.
Speaking to German publication BILD, Stewart acknowledged Hamilton’s exceptional skills, stating, “First of all, Lewis is one of the best to ever drive in F1.
“But the truth is that in the last decade, he competed with Mercedes for a team that was virtually out of competition.
“During this time, Lewis only had one real competitor: his respective teammate.
“Except for 2016, he always emerged victorious from the duel.
“And then he lost to Nico Rosberg.
“With respect: a good driver, but not the most talented in the world.
“But Rosberg was hungry and had the absolute will to become world champion.
“Lewis no longer has that hunger.
“Because of that – and because the car is no longer quite as powerful – he has serious problems.”
Hamilton responded to Stewart’s critique during an interview with BBC Breakfast, defending his dedication to the sport and emphasising his desire to serve as an inspiration to future generations of drivers.
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He said, “There are people who are very short-minded that make the comments that they do, not knowing the work that has been done in the background.
“One thing I hope, and I never want to do is, in the future, when I one day stop and looking back on the youth or the next driver generation, I want to be encouraging them and let them know it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s about being inspiring rather than shutting them down.
“That’s the kind of figure that I want to be.”