Lewis Hamilton says he plans to continue racing in Formula 1 well into his 40s like his former teammate and title rival Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard recently signed a contract that will keep him at Aston Martin until 2026 when he will be 45 years old.
Hamilton meanwhile will be 40 when he joins Ferrari from Mercedes next year. The seven-time world champion admitted that he never believed he would still race into his 40s but it has now been made possible with Alonso still racing at the highest level.
“I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around,” Hamilton said ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
“Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible. And shows the new era of athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.
“I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”
Back in Shanghai this weekend 🐉❤️💛 pic.twitter.com/NCLLbR3UOT
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 17, 2024
Hamilton is the second oldest driver on the current F1 grid after Alonso.
