Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, declared that the sport has "never had anyone like me in the 70 years" of its history and vowed to continue racing into his mid-forties with the goal of competing in a Grand Prix in Africa.
Speaking at a news conference ahead of this weekend's Mexico Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver reiterated his determination to stay in F1 until the series fulfills its long-awaited return to the continent. F1 has signed a 10-year deal with Rwanda for a race starting in the early 2030s, which would be the first African Grand Prix since 1993. Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025, will be at least 45 when that race takes place.
Addressing concerns about age, Hamilton pointed to his reaction time in the most recent race, which he said was faster than some of the youngest drivers on the grid. "As long as you are willing to sacrifice everything, which I am right now... I am still all in. I will be for the foreseeable future," he said. He acknowledged unforeseen challenges that come with age but insisted he feels "built differently."
Hamilton is currently third in the drivers' championship, one point behind Mercedes' George Russell in second, five points ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, and eight points clear of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. The title is set to be decided this weekend in Mexico City, where Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, 21 years Hamilton's junior, is poised to clinch his first world championship. Only 31 points separate Russell from McLaren's Lando Norris in sixth.
After a difficult first season with Ferrari, Hamilton has enjoyed a stronger 2026 campaign, highlighted by a victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June. He said he has proven he can still compete at the highest level and does not want to overstay his welcome if his performance drops off. "Everyone assumed that last year and I have proved everyone wrong. I'll continue to try to do so," he added.
