Lewis Hamilton explains why he does not want to be “remembered as one of the best drivers in the world” anymore

With seven championship titles and 105 race wins, Lewis Hamilton is regarded as one of the best drivers in Formula 1. However, during a recent press interaction, the 39-year-old racer from Stevenage explained why he does not want to be remembered only as the best driver in F1.

Hamilton began his Formula 1 career in 2007. He finished second in the Drivers' table and won the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Keeping the momentum going, Hamilton clinched his first championship title in 2008. After a few dull seasons with McLaren, the Brit shifted to the newly formed Mercedes-AMG in 2013 and the rest is history.

Hamilton added six more Drivers' titles to his name with the Brackley-based squad, thereby becoming one of the best drivers in the motorsport by a margin. He holds the record for the most wins (105) and pole positions (104). Despite these credentials, Hamilton claimed he would like to be remembered as someone more than just a phenomenal F1 driver.

In a press interaction during the global premiere of Hamilton's short film 'Enter the new space age with Lewis Hamilton,' which is produced by the luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen, Hamilton spoke about how he wants his legacy to be among other topics.

"I think at one point when I was younger, it was about being remembered as one of the best drivers in the world and I care a lot less about that now. It’s more about trying to be the best human being you can be and actually doing something for people," he said.

Hamilton's statement was shared on X by a fan page. Here's a look at the post:

Also, take a look at the short film, available on YouTube:

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"They had all these plans" - Lewis Hamilton on not attending post-season testing with Ferrari at Abu Dhabi

With just two races remaining in the 2024 season, Lewis Hamilton is all set to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. However, during a recent media interaction, the Brit confirmed that he will not be attending the post-season testing with the Italian squad in Abu Dhabi.

"Look, I know Fred wanted it to happen. For me, I was in two minds. Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi does not excite me. In a perfect world, you’d get to drive it and not be seen and do the first rollout next year. When I did raise it, obviously with Toto, they had all these plans that I’ve got to go and see some of the sponsors and say their farewells," Hamilton said (as reported by Motorsport Week).

"So I don’t think it was ever going to actually be allowed, even if I’d asked to have done it. But because I’m contracted to the team until December 31st – and that’s totally fine. But it doesn’t bother me, again, because I wasn’t going to do the test. It’s not what I wanted to do. I told Fred that’s not what I wanted to do," he added.

As of now, Hamilton is placed seventh in the 2024 Drivers' table behind his teammate and compatriot George Russell.