Lewis Hamilton continues to prove he’s enjoying a new lease of life at Ferrari – but he’s not just content with showing that on track.
The F1 icon has already showcased his speed with the Scuderia but responding to Mercedes‘ ultimate diss has taken much more time.
The seven-time world champion is just weeks away from making his official debut with motorsport’s most famous team.
The anticipation has been built up into fever-pitch levels for over a year since Hamilton confirmed he would be quitting Mercedes.
His decision even caught the Silver Arrows by surprise, ending the most successful partnership that F1 has ever seen – which included six drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships.
However, during the 40-year-old’s final season in Brackley last year, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff seemingly implied F1’s greatest-ever driver was past his best after saying ‘everyone has a shelf life’.
Wolff later claimed the quote was taken out of context, with Hamilton shrugging off the comment when asked in November.
Over five months later, the Brit expanded on the remark during an interview with Time Magazine, where he pointed to like-minded athletes such as Tom Brady and LeBron James who have achieved success at a similar age.
Hamilton said: “Don’t ever compare me to anybody else.
“I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.
“You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula 1 driver in history. Because they are nothing like me.”
“I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
Hamilton went on to take aim at the usual biased criticism from the elder racing community he receives – Nigel Mansell aside.
Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone recently delivered the unfounded accusation that Hamilton has a ‘lot of enemies’ at Ferrari to ex-F1 team owner Eddie Jordan stating it was ‘suicidal’ to axe Carlos Sainz.
“I’ve always welcomed the negativity,” Hamilton added.
“I never, ever reply to any of the older, ultimately, white men who have commented on my career and what they think I should be doing.
“How you show up, how you present yourself, how you perform slowly dispels that.”
Hamilton underlined his performance during the morning session of day two of F1 Testing by topping the timesheet for Ferrari.
Bahrain Test Timesheet – Day Two morning
1) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, 1:29.379, 45 laps
2) George Russell, Mercedes, 1:29.778, 71 laps
3) Carlos Sainz, Williams, 1:30.090, 44 laps
4) Pierre Gasly, Alpine, 1:30.430, 40 laps
5) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin, 1:30.700, 45 laps
6) Yuki Tsunoda, Racing Bulls, 1:30.793, 46 laps
7) Oscar Piastri, McLaren, 1:30.821, 44 laps
8) Liam Lawson, Red Bull, 1:31.233, 28 laps
9) Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:31.457, 56 laps
10) Esteban Ocon, Haas, 1:33.071, 69 laps
The Stevenage-born racer finished four tenths clear of his former Mercedes team-mate George Russell with a 1:29.379.
He eclipsed the best lap time from last year’s Bahrain test, a 1:30.222, set by his new team-mate Charles Leclerc, and even Ferrari’s best qualifying time around the Bahrain International Circuit in 2024.
The clear signs of a resurgence to the front of the grid underline why F1 fans are so keen to break Michael Schumacher‘s all-time record.
Crucially, Hamilton has more than just one more year on the shelf.
“What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar,” said Hamilton. “I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.”
