LEWIS Hamilton has boldly stated that "nothing can take me down" as he enters the final chapter of his career with Mercedes.
With his highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 on the horizon, the seven-time World Champion remains unshaken by recent challenges and difficult performances, insisting that he is in peak condition both physically and mentally.
"I feel strong, I’ve been training well. Honestly, I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been mentally, and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough," Hamilton said when speaking to the media ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The 39-year-old’s comments were prompted by recent remarks from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who suggested that "everyone has a shelf life" in Formula 1.
Wolff had explained that the team's decision to offer Hamilton a one-plus-one contract was designed to avoid the inevitable moment when the seven-time champion would have to decide when to step away, acknowledging the finite nature of a driver’s career.
“There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract,” Wolff said. “We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life.”
Hamilton, however, responded confidently, rejecting any suggestion that his career might be winding down. “We’ve got a team that I genuinely still love, and even though I’m leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races," he said. "I’ve had an incredible journey with them, and I’ll continue to fight for the team until the very end.”
Hamilton's comments also addressed the scrutiny and challenges that have followed him throughout his career, particularly the “microaggressions” he has faced.
“I’ve been around this game for a long time. There’s been so many things that have been said about me. There’s been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he’s been supportive – but in general within the media, nothing can take me down. I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m going to continue to push,” he said.
After Hamilton’s comments, Wolff clarified his initial remarks, stating that his words had been "taken out of context."
He acknowledged Hamilton’s continued sharpness, saying, “Now contrary to my own self-assessment, I think we see with Lewis that he’s very much there when the car is right. And we haven’t been able to give him that car to perform his best, and that is a frustration that we share equally in the team, and for himself."
Wolff added, “But he’s very sharp. He’s different to when he was a 20-year-old, that’s certainly clear. But his experience and his race craft is tremendous.”
Hamilton has claimed two victories in his final season with Mercedes, marking a long-awaited return to the top step of the podium after a drought dating back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, capped by an emotional win at the British Grand Prix.
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