Just over 10 days ago, Lewis Hamilton announced that his relationship with Formula 1 was set to continue until at least 2025. While announcing his two-year deal with Mercedes worth a whopping $127 million, one thing he wrote piqued everyone’s interest—“Our story isn’t finished.” With just those four words, he sent a warning to all his rivals. He isn’t done just yet, and he won’t stop until he gets what he wants—that elusive eighth championship. As clear as he made that to everyone on the grid, F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart wasn’t convinced.

In an interview with Bild, Sir Jackie Stewart said, “Lewis no longer has that hunger [to win]. That [eighth title] also depends on Mercedes. It’s not impossible, but I still don’t think he’ll be able to do it.” With Steward underestimating Hamilton’s drive to still compete at the highest level, the seven-time champion set his priorities straight.

Lewis Hamilton’s love for F1 is as strong as ever

There’s no doubt Hamilton is at the fag end of his career. As a 38-year-old, he has other priorities in life; that’s a given. But F1 is still his most important one. After dominating the sport with Mercedes for seven years, Hamilton & Co. lost their way in 2022. Eager to find their way back to the front—contrary to what Stewart said—Hamilton revealed, “We have never been hungrier to win. We have learned from every success but also every setback.” He believes staying positive is the key to achieving what he wants.

In an interview with Sky Sports, as reported by The Sun, Hamilton said, “Right now, I’m very focused on staying positive every day. I know that’s not easy for anyone. Staying fit and healthy and trying to find that balance of enjoying yourself and your work—balance with family life and all those sorts of things.” If his Instagram page is anything to go by, the Brit is giving equal importance to all aspects of his life.

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He added, “I think I’ve got a pretty decent balance right now. That’s enabling me to really love what I’m doing.” The fact that Hamilton has committed himself to F1 for two more years—even after saying he had no intention of racing after 40—proves how much he wants to continue doing what he loves. And as Stewart undermined him, the seven-time champion didn’t just sit back and listen. He hit back at the legend.

Lewis Hamilton took a dig at Sir Jackie Stewart

Considering Mercedes has been struggling for the past couple of seasons, Hamilton wouldn’t have made the bold statements he did had he not known what was going on behind the scenes. As per a YouTube video by The Race, “Hamilton says he ‘truly believes if not next year, then the year after’ Mercedes will be ready to challenge for titles again.” There’s obviously significant progress happening in Brackley, progress Stewart knows nothing about. 

In an interview after Stewart’s comments, Hamilton addressed the claims. The Brit said, “There are people that are very short-minded, who make the comments that they do, not knowing the work that’s being done in the background. One day, when I stop, I want to be encouraging the next generation of drivers, letting them know it’s okay to make mistakes. Being inspiring rather than shutting them down.” Whether Stewart meant to or not, he questioned Hamilton’s capabilities and demeaned him. Addressing that, Hamilton took a dig at Stewart by saying he would never undermine the next generation.

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Do you think the positive attitude Lewis Hamilton is living by will help him achieve his eighth-world title dream?