As Hamilton prepares for the next chapter of his Formula 1 career, making the move to Ferrari in 2025, it becomes evident that he is entering the final stages of his remarkable career. At 39 years old, he will soon celebrate his 40th birthday alongside his new Italian team.
The British driver has always stood out for his unique approach to racing, embracing a jet-set lifestyle and pursuing interests beyond the track, such as music and fashion. However, it wasn’t always like this. In an interview with GQ magazine, Hamilton opened up about his early days in Formula 1 and the discontent he felt despite his success.
“When I first entered the world of Formula 1, my life revolved solely around training and racing. There was no room for anything else,” shared Hamilton. “But I soon realized that dedicating all my time to work did not bring me true happiness. I yearned for a sense of balance in my life and found that I was actually quite unhappy.”
“I felt like something was missing, as if there was more to me than just being a Formula 1 driver,” he continued. “It was a surreal experience because I had achieved my dream of being in Formula 1, reaching the pinnacle of the sport and competing for championships. However, the joy and satisfaction simply weren’t there.”
Hamilton’s sincere reflections shed light on the importance of finding fulfillment beyond professional success. Although his journey in Formula 1 has been brilliant, it is clear that he has learned the value of a balanced life and the pursuit of happiness outside the racing world.
The seven-time Formula 1 champion revealed that his interactions with people from the fashion and film industries have broadened his perspective on various possibilities.
“It’s like being inside a snow globe, that’s how I see the world of racing,” he emphasized. “But there’s so much more beyond that that I haven’t had time to explore. If you go to an office every day and follow the same routine, eventually you disengage. You need something more that can bring comfort and keep your mind active.”
As he pursued his interests outside the track, mainly in music, cinema, and fashion, Hamilton faced significant criticism. He explained: “As I delved into my creativity and learned to express myself…”
“I received a lot of criticism from the media. People judged me, saying, ‘That’s not how a race driver should behave.’ ‘That’s not what a race driver does.'”
“I went through a phase where I realized I can’t race forever. When I eventually retire, I want to go out on a high and be satisfied,” he added, explaining his motivation to develop his ventures outside of racing.
When asked about his plans for the future, the winner of 103 Formula 1 races stated: “The challenging part is that I want to do it all.”
“I’m extremely ambitious. However, I recognize that it’s impossible to do – actually, forget that because I don’t believe in the word ‘impossible’.”
“To become a master at something, it takes 10,000 hours of practice. I undoubtedly achieved that in racing. Unfortunately, there’s not enough time to become a master in all these different areas,” he stated.
When asked what will fill the void left by racing, the Formula 1 star replied: “Well, I believe it will be cinema and fashion.”
Indeed, Hamilton owns his own film production company, Dawn Apollo Films, and is currently involved in an F1-themed film with Brad Pitt. Additionally, he is engaged in various fashion projects alongside Hilfiger.
Currently, Hamilton remains a Formula 1 driver and is in his final year with Mercedes, the team he joined in 2013 and won six of his seven Formula 1 championships with, not to mention 82 of the 103 victories he achieved throughout his racing career.
Despite the initial worrying signs at Mercedes in 2024, as Hamilton faces another disappointing F1 car produced by the team, he asserts his desire to leave on a high note.
He expressed: “My focus is on delivering the most exceptional year this team has ever experienced, following all the remarkable years we’ve had. It’s about how you interact with those around you. Some reacted positively to the news, while others did not. How can you take them on this journey and leave on a high note?”
“I am training with more intensity than ever. I feel physically prepared like never before. So, I am genuinely excited about the present, recognizing that nothing is guaranteed beyond this point. However, I am also visualizing the future, as I have numerous ideas of what I want to pursue in the next phase,” he concluded.
Although this interview with Hamilton was recently published – yesterday – it was conducted in February, before the 2024 Formula 1 season was fully underway. This implies that at that time he was not aware of how poorly the W15 would perform, or perhaps he was just trying to maintain a positive outlook on his chances of finishing well at Mercedes.
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Dramatic events unfolded last night during the football match between rival teams, Flamengo and Vasco. The game, which took place at Maracanã stadium, was full of emotion and tension, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
In the first half, Flamengo dominated the field, scoring two consecutive goals. The team showed skill and determination, leaving Vasco at a disadvantage. However, in the second half, Vasco managed to bounce back and score a goal, bringing hope to their supporters.
The match continued to be intense, with both teams showing an impressive performance. Flamengo maintained their lead, but Vasco did not give up easily. With just a few minutes remaining, Vasco scored a second goal, tying the game and thrilling the crowd.
The atmosphere in the stadium was one of pure euphoria, with fans from both teams cheering at every moment. The regular time ended with an exciting 2-2 draw, taking the match to extra time.
During extra time, both teams fought with all their might to secure the victory. Flamengo showed their superiority, scoring another goal and taking the lead once again. Vasco tried to react, but could not equalize the score.
In the end, Flamengo emerged victorious, winning the game 3-2. The fans celebrated intensely, while Vasco players were visibly disappointed. It was an exciting and unforgettable match, which will surely be remembered in football history.
Flamengo players were applauded for their exceptional performance, while Vasco received praise for their determination and resilience. Both teams showed their talent and passion for the sport, providing fans with an exciting night.
The rivalry between Flamengo and Vasco is known to be one of the fiercest in Brazilian football. The matches between these teams are always marked by a lot of emotion and rivalry. Last night was no different, with fans showing up in large numbers and creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium.
Despite the defeat, Vasco showed that they are a strong team capable of facing any challenge. They will certainly continue fighting in the upcoming matches, in search of more victories and glory.
Flamengo, on the other hand, celebrated this important victory, which puts them in a favorable position in the championship. They are determined to win the title and will continue working hard to achieve this goal.
Overall, the match between Flamengo and Vasco was an exciting spectacle from start to finish. Fans were treated to a game full of twists and moments of pure emotion. Brazilian football once again showed its passion and intensity, captivating the hearts of fans across the country.
