Hamilton has plans to keep on racing past 40

Lewis Hamilton has said that he sees himself still on the racing track well into his 40s, something he did not envisage will happen earlier in his career. The Mercedes driver made this comment ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix and also gave some praise to Fernando Alonso, who is currently the oldest driver on the grid. 

He said: “I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.

I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good Alonso is still around.”

“Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible. And shows the new era of athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”

The seven-time world champion signed a contract with Ferrari to take effect next year, which is when he turns 40. There are no details on how long the contract runs for, but we can expect to see him face till at least he’s 41, and he may choose to extend the contract, depending on his performance and other factors. 

Hamilton has not had a good season in recent years, which is partly the reason why he leaves Mercedes at the end of the year. His last title came in 2020 and he has not won a race since 2022. Mercedes has failed to put out a winning car in years, and it has greatly affected the British driver, who is chasing his record eighth world championship. 

So, his decision to keep on racing maybe because he is yet to fulfill that dream, something he believes he can do in the coming years. Still, it is quite interesting that we have a legend like Hamilton still behind the wheels after all these years.

Leon Osamor