Lewis Hamilton has no plans to retire and made that clear before climbing into the car at the Miami Grand Prix. The veteran Briton remains a central figure in a season clouded by doubt about Mercedes’ performance, yet he shows no sign of stepping away. Once the dominant force on the grid, Mercedes has weathered a difficult 2022 and faces questions about the current car, but Hamilton, at 38, continues to insist that Mercedes is his home and that the fight for wins remains the primary objective. He also deflected rumors about a possible replacement for Charles Leclerc and any notion of a quick refurbishment as mere nuances in a larger strategy. Fernando Alonso, two years older and still claiming peak form at 41, has chosen to push the envelope and prove that a longer career in Formula One is possible with sustained effort and commitment.
“I have no intention of leaving Formula One so soon. I’m not at the end of my career; my climb hasn’t even started yet. I’m in the prime of life. If you look at LeBron James or Tom Brady, they showed that athletes can compete at the highest level for many years as long as the drive, energy, and time are there”, Hamilton said.
“It all depends on how hard you want to work and how you maintain physical and mental sharpness. I don’t plan to change things right now. The goal is to stay motivated and keep improving. I am very motivated for this season,” Hamilton added.
Mercedes led the way in the opening practice session in Miami, with Carlos Sainz in fifth and Fernando Alonso in seventh, signaling a competitive start to the weekend.
While Hamilton did not directly mention Alonso by name, the long-standing rivalry with the two-time world champion has been a defining storyline in his career. Their first major clash in a McLaren era under Ron Dennis was a defining moment, and Hamilton has often spoken about missing battles against Alonso when the machinery did not permit close competition. At Bahrain, Hamilton publicly praised Alonso after an impressive overtaking move, which Formula One later recognized as one of the standout moments of the month.
Today, Hamilton is savoring the challenge posed by Alonso and relies on Mercedes’ responsiveness to regain the edge. He acknowledged moments of fatigue and the temptation to switch paths, but the drive to reach the finish line first remains the guiding force. He reaffirmed that Mercedes is home and suggested that a new contract was under discussion, without providing a timeline.
Wednesday in Miami marked the start of what teams hope will be a strong GP week. The countdown to practice, qualifying, and race day forged a narrative of resilience and continuity for Mercedes as they push to reclaim their place at the front of the grid.
In a post from the team social feed, the smoothly coordinated message captured a sense of momentum and preparation for the challenges ahead. The exchange underscored the relationship between Hamilton and the Mercedes leadership, emphasizing the balance of emotion and business in ongoing negotiations. The potential target for the future was also referenced, suggesting strategic planning that extends beyond the current season.
Hamilton’s enduring partnership with Toto Wolff remains a focal point of the team’s strategy. Wolff’s role in guiding the squad through negotiation dynamics is well documented, and Hamilton noted that while talks can be emotionally charged, they are a normal part of maintaining a high-performing roster. The dialogue around renewals continues in the background, with both parties pursuing a deal that aligns driver ambition with the team’s development trajectory.
As the Miami weekend unfolds, fans and pundits alike watch to see whether Hamilton can translate momentum from the opening sessions into a consistent performance across the weekend. The dynamic with Alonso adds another layer of intrigue, offering a subplot that has consistently energized the championship narrative. In the end, the season will test not only the speed of the car but the endurance of its most iconic driver, who remains determined to compete at the highest level for as long as motivation and fitness hold steady.