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Lewis Hamilton has finally addressed swirling rumors about his potential retirement, clarifying whether securing a historic eighth Formula 1 championship this season would mark the end of his legendary career. For years, the British driver has chased that elusive eighth title to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world crowns—a milestone that would cement his legacy as the sport’s most decorated racer. Now, at 40 years old, Hamilton has shifted to Ferrari in a bold bid to reignite his championship quest.
However, his rocky start with the iconic Italian team has sparked whispers about his longevity in the sport, with critics questioning whether he’ll see out his multi-year contract. Here’s what Hamilton had to say about his future.
Lewis Hamilton’s defiant stance
Amid doubts about his commitment, Lewis Hamilton delivered a resounding message: clinching an eighth title won’t signal his exit.
“If I was fortunate enough to win another championship, which is obviously what we’re setting out to do, I don’t see myself stopping,” he declared.
The seven-time champion emphasized that his focus isn’t merely on breaking records but on forging a new chapter with Ferrari. Rather than framing this season as a hunt for personal glory, Hamilton described it as a collective mission to revive Ferrari’s championship pedigree.
“For me, it’s the first,” he explained. “Winning a championship at Ferrari is the first. That’s what I’m working towards.” He downplayed the significance of the “eighth title” narrative, instead highlighting the team’s storied legacy and their shared hunger for success. “They’ve already had many World Championships over their history,” he noted. “But winning with Ferrari? That’s magic.”
Lewis Hamilton’s optimism stems from Ferrari’s revamped SF-25 car, rumored to be a staggering 0.4 seconds faster than its predecessor. The team has overhauled their design, adopting a pullrod front suspension—a move inspired by rivals Red Bull and McLaren—to maximize aerodynamic efficiency under F1’s current ground-effect rules. While technical director Fred Vasseur called the SF-25 “completely new,” Hamilton praised the squad’s relentless energy.
“Everyone here dreams of winning with Ferrari,” he said. “The belief is there, but it’s going to take grafting from every single person.”
Despite setbacks in recent seasons, including Mercedes’ struggles with ground-effect cars and his heartbreak at the 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, Hamilton remains undeterred. He acknowledged the fierce competition but insisted Ferrari’s “winning DNA” could tip the scales.
“I’ve got a great teammate, and the team’s mentality is unmatched,” he shared. “But it’s not just about speed—it’s about alignment, execution, and a bit of luck.”
As Lewis Hamilton gears up for his maiden Ferrari campaign, one thing is clear: retirement isn’t on his radar. Whether he secures that eighth crown or not, the legend’s fire burns brighter than ever.
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