Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes F1 team have had a difficult start to the 2023 season as they currently find themselves a whopping 199 points behind leaders Red Bull. Even though the Silver Arrows are still second in the championship, what is concerning for them is that they are also losing ground to the teams behind. Amidst Mercedes finding themselves on the back foot, Hamilton has suggested that he “really doesn’t care“.
Since Hamilton is yet to sign a contract extension with Mercedes, it is possible that the Briton is showcasing his loyalty to the team by remaining committed to them despite their recent struggles. He has made his intentions clear of wanting to help the team get back to the front next year, even if it means that he fails to win a race this season as well.
Since the regulations are relatively stable also for next season, it will be very difficult for any of the rivals to challenge the rocket ship that Red Bull have built this season. The Milton Keynes outfit are flying away as they have won all the races so far, with Max Verstappen having won seven of them. And looking at where his old rival currently stands, Hamilton is likely to be impatient to get back to winning ways.
“Looking more long-term“: Hamilton explains how he sees his future
Hometown hero Lewis Hamilton recently appeared in an interview with Chanel 4 Sport to discuss his season so far ahead of the British Grand Prix. The 38-year-old began by stating how the “last season was very, very hard“.
He then pointed out how the only good race that Mercedes had last season was the Brazilian GP when he finished second to his teammate George Russell. And when it comes to this season so far, Hamilton seems a bit more pleased than last year despite his team still having failed to challenge for the win.
The 38-year-old believes that the improvement he has seen this year is that they have at least been able to challenge for the podium a bit more regularly and that they are moving in the right direction. He then added, “I really don’t care as to what position I finish this year. I am just focused on just trying to give the best development information to the team“.
The Briton then concluded his remarks by explaining how he is “looking more long-term“. Hamilton stated that as long as the team can find the right balance, the right downforce, and the right reliability for the car, starting next season, he has no problem with how this season pans out.
Lewis Hamilton explains what motivates him to carry on in F1
As Lewis Hamilton gets older and older, speculations continue surrounding his future. Many are concerned about how long he can continue to perform at the highest level.
When asked about the same in the interview, Hamilton replied, “Honestly, I have days when I am like if I can keep going. And that is just based on that there is a lot of travel“.
Hence, he believes it is important for all drivers like him to have a balance between social life, family life, and their F1 duties. Despite the sacrifices that he has to make as an F1 driver, he believes that what keeps him going is the sheer passion that he still has for the sport.
Hamilton then ended his remarks by stating that he can still see himself carrying on in F1 for another five seasons. With the Briton still at the top of his game, the ball is now in Mercedes’ court to deliver him a car that is capable of fighting for the championship in the next season. If the Silver Arrows fail to do so, there is a possibility that Hamilton may begin reconsidering his options then.
