Hamilton still loves the drive: 'I always get a huge thrill'

Lewis Hamilton has been an active Formula 1 driver since 2007, and after all these years, he still enjoys being on the grid. While the thrill fades for some, it hasn't for Hamilton. He explained his feelings surrounding racing during the 2024 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

Hamilton has driven for two different teams, with a third incoming. He was a driver for McLaren and Mercedes, and now, with his switch for the 2025 season, he is driving a Ferrari. Despite all the changes and hardships, he has kept his love for racing alive.

Why Hamilton is still racing

During the Italian Grand Prix, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was asked if he had time for feelings while driving. Specifically, while they were taking corners or pushing themselves to the extreme limit. The Briton said, "I think, like anything, there is an element of you being used to it. So when we accelerate down to Turn 1 out of the pit lane, there's no fear there because it is part of what we do. But I don't know how it is for everyone else. But for me personally, when I get strapped in the first time, and they start up the car, I get the same bubbly feeling inside".

"When everyone moves the tyre blankets away, and you pull out into the pit lane and drive out into Turn 1 and just do your first lap, I mean, I always get a huge thrill. And there are so many moments that I still pinch myself that I still get to do this. It's really something I wish you could all feel and experience".

He continued: "But the cool thing, and it's probably why I'm still racing, is that it's not become such the norm that I don't feel it. If I was numb to it, that would really suck. And I'd probably be doing something else.".

Hamilton only had one thing that he thought could replace being an F1 driver. "I'd have to fly fighter jets or something really low or something, I don't know, to come anywhere near close".

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