Hamilton’s fresh challenge with Ferrari:’I’ll never be an old man’
Lewis Hamilton dismisses age concerns ahead of 2025 F1 season, asserting he will "never be an old man".
Ferrari's newest recruit, Lewis Hamilton, has sought to assuage any concerns regarding his age ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, asserting he will "never be an old man."
The seven-time world champion joined Italy's prestigious team from Mercedes following the 2024 campaign as he aims to break Michael Schumacher's record of drivers' titles. While the move has been highly anticipated, some critics argue that Hamilton may no longer be in the elite echelon of the grid.
Hamilton clinched two victories last year, the first at Silverstone, ending a 945-day drought for a grand prix triumph. However, he has largely watched rival Max Verstappen dominate with four consecutive championships from a distance, following the controversial culmination of the 2021 season.
Verstappen, 27, is pursuing history against a field of highly motivated stars from the sport's new generation, including Lando Norris (25), George Russell (27), and Hamilton's new teammate, Charles Leclerc (27).
Despite the age gap between himself and the competition, the 40-year-old Hamilton remains unfazed.
"The old man is a state of mind," Hamilton told Time Magazine. "Of course your body ages. But I'm never going to be an old man."
The desire to remain youthful played a pivotal role in the Brit's decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari after a hugely successful 12-season stint.
"You can't stand still for too long," Hamilton said. "I needed to throw myself into something uncomfortable again. Honestly, I thought all my firsts were done.
"Your first car, your first crash, your first date, first day of school. The excitement I got by the idea of: 'This is my first time in the red suit, the first time in the Ferrari.'
"Wow. Honestly, I've never been so excited."
Hamilton and the rest of the 2025 grid have been testing their cars for the new season during preseason testing in Bahrain this week.
He appeared to have little difficulty adapting to his new setup, as evidenced by topping the lap-time charts in the morning session on Thursday. However, times in testing can be influenced by numerous variables and are rarely an indicator of ultimate performance.
The Formula 1 season will kick off with the Australian Grand Prix weekend, running from March 14 to 16.
Up Next
