Lewis Hamilton swore that “nothing can bring me down” in reaction to the assertion of his current boss at Mercedes F1, Toto Wolff, according to which every individual in Formula 1 has a “limited lifespan”.
Hamilton's decision to sign a deal with Ferrari from 2025 will end the sport's most successful driver-team partnership once the season ends.
However, Wolff said one positive aspect of Hamilton's impending departure was that he “avoid the moment when he should have put an end to the association”.
Wolff has since clarified these quotes, saying his comments were taken out “out of context” for, while he maintained his view that every individual becomes less successful at a certain point, he denied that he meant that Hamilton was already past his prime.
"I spoke to Toto earlier," says Hamilton in Las Vegas.
“I didn't see what was happening in the news, to be honest, until this weekend, so I didn't keep up to date. But that doesn't make any difference to me.”
“I think he's clarified his point of view. Toto has been massively supportive over the years, it doesn't really matter. It's good that he's clarified what he meant because I don’t think I’m expired or anything!”
Hamilton then stressed that he had become accustomed to ignoring negative comments aimed at destabilizing him.
“I think just being here, standing tall in front of you, I feel strong, I trained well.”
“Honestly, I feel like I'm in my best mental shape and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says a lot.”
“I've been in this business for a long time. So many things have been said about me.”
“There have been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he has my back – but in general nothing can bring me down. And nothing will bring me down.”
“I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m going to keep pushing.”
“We have a team that I still love and even if I leave, I want to make sure I give them my best in the next few races.”
Hamilton, however, revealed that his radio message at the end of the Brazilian GP, so bad for him, was indeed a suggestion that he wanted to end his contract!
“I mean, at the time, that's how I felt, like I didn't really want to come back after that weekend.”
“But I think it's completely natural. It's frustrating when you go through a season like this, which I'm pretty sure I won't experience again, or at least I'll try not to experience again.”
“It wasn't a great feeling at the time, but I'm here, I'm strong and I'm going to give it my all for these last few races.”
