Lewis Hamilton Claims He Is ‘Built Differently’ as He Targets F1 Career Into His Mid-40s

Posted : 30 October 2026

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he remains capable of competing at the highest level and is determined to continue racing for the foreseeable future, potentially into his mid-40s.

The Ferrari driver made the comments ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, reiterating his ambition to compete in Formula 1’s planned return to Africa. The championship has agreed a 10-year deal with Rwanda to host a Grand Prix in the early 2030s, marking its return to the continent for the first time since 1993. Hamilton has long supported the idea of bringing the sport back to Africa.

Hamilton, who is currently 41, would be at least 45 when the Rwandan race takes place. However, he dismissed suggestions that age would necessarily prevent him from remaining competitive, describing himself as different from previous drivers in the sport’s history.

The Briton acknowledged that getting older could bring challenges, particularly regarding physical condition and reaction speed. Nevertheless, he argued that his recent performances showed he could still match younger competitors, pointing to his reaction time during the previous race.

Hamilton added that remaining competitive requires significant commitment and personal sacrifice. Although he cannot guarantee that he will still want to race in four years, he stressed that his passion for Formula 1 remains strong.

The Ferrari driver also made it clear that he would not continue racing simply for the sake of extending his career. He said he would leave the sport if his reactions, driving ability or overall pace declined to a level that prevented him from performing at the required standard.

Hamilton believes he has already answered some of the doubts raised during his difficult first season with Ferrari. His 2026 campaign has been more encouraging, highlighted by his victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June. He is determined to keep proving that he can compete with the sport’s younger generation.

Meanwhile, Hamilton remains involved in the battle for second place in the drivers’ championship. He is competing with several rivals, including Mercedes’ George Russell, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, as the season approaches its closing rounds.

Despite the fight for a strong individual finish, Hamilton has also emphasised the importance of helping Ferrari secure second place in the constructors’ standings and using the remaining races to prepare for the next campaign.

Lewis Hamilton Claims He Is ‘Built Differently’ as He Targets F1 Career Into His Mid-40s

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