Despite having the worst start to a Formula One season, Lewis Hamilton claimed that “people continue to talk s***” about him.
The 39-year-old’s Mercedes team’s poor season has left him with just 10 points from the first four rounds.
Hamilton finished a distant ninth at the most recent round in Japan two weeks ago and has yet to finish in the top six.
When asked if Mercedes’ early-season problems justified his choice to leave the team that helped him win six of his record-tying seven world titles, Hamilton—who is headed to Ferrari next year—answered the question.
He declared, “I don’t feel like I need my decision vindicating.” “Since the moment I made the choice, I have always known what is best for me.
I’ve never questioned it, and I’m not influenced by what other people have to say.
“People are still talking shit even today, and they will keep doing so for the remainder of the year.
“I’ll just have to follow my previous course of action (when he switched from McLaren to Mercedes).” I can only know what’s best for me, and I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter in my life—joining Ferrari.”
When Hamilton made the comment “people taking s***,” he was questioned about it ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, which is the first to be held there since 2019.
“Read what’s available,” he answered.
When Hamilton joins Ferrari in Australia in March of next year, he will be forty years old.
After reaching an agreement to extend his contract with Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso declared last week that he will continue competing in motorsports past the age of 45. The Spaniard will turn 43 in July, making him the oldest driver in the contemporary period.
Additionally, Hamilton stated, “It’s definitely good Fernando is still around and keeps going on for a bit longer because I’m going to be racing for quite some time, right into my 40s.”
“I never saw myself racing well into my forties. I think I stated that I wouldn’t. However, life is such a bizarre deception. I don’t think I’m getting close to 40. I appear to be in my early years.
The fact that Fernando is remaining means I’m not the oldest driver here, which is a huge plus.
“But Fernando is also among the best drivers in the sport, so it just goes to show what’s possible that he’s still here and producing at this level.”
Six-time China record holder Hamilton will go back on track on Friday when he qualifies for the season’s first sprint round.
This year’s format has been altered; the grid for the main event on Sunday will now be decided following the 19-lap race, which starts at 11:00 a.m. (4 a.m. BST) on Saturday.
