Hamilton consulted Serena Williams and Michael Jordan about leaving F1 | formula 1

– I’ve talked to so many incredible athletes, from Boris Becker to Serena Williams, even Michael Jordan, who are retired, or some who are still competing, and the fear of what’s to come (after their sports career). Many of them told me, “I stopped too soon.” Or: “I stayed too long.” “When it ended, I had nothing planned.” “My whole world fell apart because my whole life revolved around this sport” – revealed the seven-time champion, in an exclusive interview with “GQ”.

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The conversation with his sports friends made Hamilton reflect on his purpose inside and outside of sport. On the eve of the 2024 Japanese GP, he already has 335 GPs under his belt. The number makes him the third driver who has competed in the most races in the category, behind only former driver and 2007 champion, Kimi Raikkonen (350 GPs) and current rival Fernando Alonso (381 GPs).

– People ask me all the time: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” And I’ve never been able to look that far. But now I’m in a place where I can map out a little bit further. There are some really cool things that will happen in the next two years – continued the pilot, citing fashion projects, the film about F1 starring Brad Pitt and a documentary.

The year 2024 is special for the seven-time champion: it will be his last dance with Mercedes, after more than a decade of partnership. With the German team, Hamilton won six drivers’ titles, eight constructors’ titles and 82 victories. Closing the partnership with a flourish is, at the moment, his main objective.

– My focus is: how can I deliver the best year this team has ever had, after all the great years we’ve had? It’s how you engage with the people around you. They received the news (about his move to Ferrari); some of them very well, others not so much. How do we take them on this journey and come out of it on a positive note? – said Hamilton, adding:

– I’m training more than ever, more physically prepared than ever. I am very excited about the gift, knowing that nothing is promised beyond this. I have ideas of what I want to do beyond that in the next phase. I manifest everything I’ve ever wanted to do, I do it every year: win a world championship, break records, and I have other plans for the future.