Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver 'incredibly hungry' in F1
13.6.2023 09:32
Lewis Hamilton says he is still "incredibly" hungry to succeed in Formula 1 and admits he is "enjoying" being the hunter for the short term.
Hamilton, who held talks with Toto Wolff regarding a new Mercedes contract following the Spanish Grand Prix, hasn't won a race for over 18 months after enduring his first winless F1 season in 2022.
He made his F1 debut in 2007 as team-mate to Fernando Alonso at McLaren and the pair are now the two most experienced drivers on the grid.
"Through the ups and downs I think it's been a pretty incredible journey. Back in 2006 I never thought I would be multiple world champion. I wasn't even sure if I would get to F1," reflected Hamilton.
"Every second and every decision I made on track, in my mind was the deciding factor of if I would get the opportunity and whether the door would be open for me, to get the hand up into the big league.
"That's all I was focused on every single day when I was running, every mile I was putting in - thinking about crossing the line and how I could convince [then McLaren CEO] Ron Dennis to give me a chance. I thought if I win the championship, they would have no choice but to give me an opportunity. It's pretty crazy.
Hamilton, who held talks with Toto Wolff regarding a new Mercedes contract following the Spanish Grand Prix, hasn't won a race for over 18 months after enduring his first winless F1 season in 2022.
He made his F1 debut in 2007 as team-mate to Fernando Alonso at McLaren and the pair are now the two most experienced drivers on the grid.
"Through the ups and downs I think it's been a pretty incredible journey. Back in 2006 I never thought I would be multiple world champion. I wasn't even sure if I would get to F1," reflected Hamilton.
"Every second and every decision I made on track, in my mind was the deciding factor of if I would get the opportunity and whether the door would be open for me, to get the hand up into the big league.
"That's all I was focused on every single day when I was running, every mile I was putting in - thinking about crossing the line and how I could convince [then McLaren CEO] Ron Dennis to give me a chance. I thought if I win the championship, they would have no choice but to give me an opportunity. It's pretty crazy.