Lewis Hamilton claims he would take a ‘sabbatical’ from F1 before making retirement call

Lewis Hamilton will be entering his eighteenth F1 season in 2024 at the age of 39.

Lewis Hamilton claims he would take a ‘sabbatical’ from F1 before making retirement call

Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names in F1 history. The British driver has achieved incredible success with Mercedes over the years including over a hundred race wins. However, the 39-year-old remains as hungry as ever to win a record-breaking eighth F1 title. So much so, that Hamilton has reckoned that he would be more interested in taking a sabbatical before retiring from the sport.

Recently, the Mercedes driver affirmed that an eighth F1 championship might not be the endpoint of his career. Lewis Hamilton admitted that he was uncertain about his plans beyond Formula 1. However, the 39-year-old did not dismiss the possibility of continuing in the sport in the long run. Hamilton was the second highest-paid F1 driver in 2023.

I’ve never said an eighth title would be the endpoint. But I don’t know what comes next after Formula 1. I don’t necessarily feel like I’d want to stay active in Formula 1 but never say never.
Lewis Hamilton told Formule1.nl

The seven-time world champion made it clear that he was interested in a role on the pit wall. Hamilton claimed that he would curse himself in such a situation. As the Briton would believe that he could’ve managed to race for another season.

But I can’t imagine not driving anymore and still being in the pit box somewhere. I’d just be thinking: ‘I could have stuck with it another year.

Lewis Hamilton claimed that it would be better for him to take a sabbatical from F1 before making a call on retirement. Hamilton’s current contract with Mercedes will see him race for the team till at least the end of 2025.

So it would probably be better to take a sabbatical and then see if I want to come back.

Could Lewis Hamilton follow Fernando Alonso’s footsteps of an F1 return after a sabbatical?

Fernando Alonso departed from Formula 1 at the end of 2018 after a woeful stint at McLaren. The Spanish driver had affirmed that he was willing to return to the pinnacle of motorsport in the future. Subsequently, the two-time world champion made a comeback with Alpine in 2021 in his 40s.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso on the Australian GP podium
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso on the Australian GP podium (Credits: Marca)

Lewis Hamilton could follow a similar trajectory to his arch-rival. Hamilton is 39 at this moment with his current contract ensuring that he would continue to race till he is at least 41 years old. Although, this could be more difficult for the Briton as he would need to make a comeback in his mid-40s. Hamilton and Alonso are currently the oldest drivers in F1.

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton remains focused on the upcoming F1 season. The seven-time world champion would be looking to make the most out of his current contract with Mercedes. However, it remains to be seen if the 39-year-old is motivated to continue for longer at the pinnacle of motorsport.

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