After sixty-eight days, Lewis Hamilton is back in public speaking. The occasion was obviously the presentation of the Mercedes W13, the weapon available to the seven-time world champion to attack the 2022 season. If body language does not lie, Hamilton in the two months that have passed since the checkered flag of Abu Dhabi at the first official appointment of 2022 managed to complete a reset.
Lewis denies having ever thought about retiring, he gives confidence to the FIA but wants to verify the validity of the changes on the field. No hard feelings towards Max Verstappen, a lot of faith towards George Russell but above all in himself. Because according to Lewis what we will see in 2022 will be the best Hamilton ever.
How did you live the days after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
“Obviously it was a difficult moment for me, after Abu Dhabi I decided to disconnect, to turn everything off. In any case I would have deserved a period of rest, but on this occasion I had my whole family around me, it was a rare moment in which we were really all together. It took some time to digest what happened, I think it is still difficult to understand everything fully, but what matters now is that I am back stronger, everything that does not kill you strengthens you. I concentrated only on training, on keeping myself healthy and I was able to enjoy my free time, because everything goes very fast ”.
George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO, Mercedes AMG
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
Was there a time when you thought about retiring?
“I have thought about retiring so many times! But in this case no, I honestly didn’t think about it. It often happens at the end of a season to reflect on the willingness to devote all the time and effort necessary to try to be world champion, I think many people underestimate what it takes to be at the top in this sport, it’s not just a question of get up in the morning and drive the car. The question I ask myself is: are you willing to sacrifice the time it takes to get things right? Do you think you can continue living with these rhythms? It’s a kind of thought process that I do a lot, but on this particular occasion it was compounded by a significant factor. But in the end I am in a sport that I have loved all my life, there was only one moment when I lost some faith in the system, but generally I am a very determined person. And I like to think that no matter how much moments like the one I’ve been through can affect a career, that’s not going to be the case with me. So here I am, focused on trying to be the best I can and coming back stronger ”.
You said that at some point you lost faith in the system. Did the changes made official by the FIA help you regain confidence?
“Trust is something that is built over time but can be lost in an instant. Yesterday’s announcement is a first step, but that still doesn’t solve everything. We need to see and evaluate concrete action, and I think it will take some time. But at the moment I’m not focused on this story, I’m just putting every ounce of my energy and time into making sure I’m the best you’ve ever seen. “
Have you reviewed the Abu Dhabi race?
“Absolutely no, I had everything in my head clearly, and it came back to me many times in the weeks following the race.”
George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
What did you tell Max at the end of the Grand Prix?
“I don’t remember, it was all a bit confusing. And then I don’t want to go back, I want to look forward ”.
What do you think about the FIA decision to replace Michael Masi?
“While we can’t change the past, and nothing will ever really make me forget how I felt in those moments, it’s good to see the FIA taking steps to improve the situation. I think responsibility is fundamental, we must use this moment to make sure that what happened never happens to any other sportsman again. We welcome everything that has been said by the FIA, but we must continue to monitor closely to make sure that changes are actually taking place, and that the rules are applied fairly, accurately and consistently. “
Toto said you’ll be in ‘attack’ mode. What state of mind do you return to after unplugging for a while?
“The Formula 1 seasons are getting longer and longer, to the detriment of free time. But over the years I have learned how to be efficient in managing my time, including recovery, training, and both physical and mental preparation. I feel great, fit, and an extra year of experience on my shoulders always helps. I am convinced that through this type of experience we can transform that emotion into strength, and that is what I am doing, I am putting everything into my training, into working with the team. And if you think what you saw at the end of 2021 was the best Lewis, wait until you see this year ”.
George Russell, Mercedes W13
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
After Abu Dhabi in the social world there are those who have come to threaten Nicholas Latifi with death. Are you worried about the approach of some troublemakers who hide behind anonymity?
“There should be no tolerance, and those who are in a position to intervene on this front do not seem to be able to do it quickly, so we have to continue to apply pressure. I have been in contact with Nicholas, he has always had and has my full support, I know how difficult it is to live in those situations, and I know that it is important to be able to count on the support of the people around you. There is really a lot of passion in this sport, that’s what makes it exceptional, but we have to channel it all in a positive way ”.
After the epilogue of the 2021 season, how do you think your relationship with Max and with Red Bull will be?
“What happened has nothing to do with Max, he did what any rider would do, take the opportunity he was given. He is a great opponent, and I hope another season awaits us with as many duels as we did last year. But for my part I have no problems with him, I don’t hold a grudge against anyone, I don’t think it’s ever a good thing to take with you, I look forward, I don’t dwell on the past. And, as I said before, I feel fresh and completely focused, I don’t feel heavy on my shoulders ”.
Mercedes W13
Photo by: Mercedes AMG
Do you think the new generation of single-seaters will influence the way you compete on the track?
“In the simulator the car is very different, different from any other car I’ve driven in the past, and I mean in terms of aerodynamic and mechanical balance and reactions to setup changes. It’s a very different car to drive, and it will require a very clean ride, as well as a lot of work to get it set up. Soon the word will pass to the track, but these weeks are always very exciting. I see engineers and technicians smiling as the car takes shape, a lot of work that converges in a single-seater that in the end only two drivers can drive, and if you have that luck you want to share every step forward, every positive feedback with everyone. I have no idea what to expect when we are on track, I hope to find what I heard on the simulator. If not, we will make corrections and move on ”.
How did you find the first weeks of working with George now that you are officially teammates?
“I was struck to see that photo of him as a child asking me for an autograph, it was at the time of McLaren. He has done an incredible path that has allowed him to get to Formula 1, and he has been part of our team for a while. I’ve seen him several times around the wards, he’s been running on the sim for a long time, and then of course I saw what he did in Williams. He is a guy who knows how to adapt very well, so far he has been fantastic, and as far as our relationship is concerned I think I have learned a lot over the years about how to interact with the teammate, about working in tandem to help the team reach the goal. final, a crucial aspect thanks to which we have more world titles than any other team. I am excited to start working with him, I hope our driving styles are not too different, and I also know how he can feel in the position of teammate of a world champion, the pressures that come with it and the expectations. I want him to learn as much as possible and to grow as much as possible, but I have no doubts, he will be a strong opponent ”.
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