Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton is eyeing a groundbreaking year ahead after celebrating his 40th birthday this week.
Having made headlines with his move to Ferrari at the dawn of the new year, the acclaimed Brit and seven-time world champion has expressed his aim to shatter records by clinching an eighth F1 title after leaving Mercedes for Scuderia in 2025.
Despite his last championship triumph dating back to 2020 and a seventh-place finish in his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton is determined to outperform expectations in the approaching season, starting at the Australian Grand Prix in March, WalesOnline reports.
Joining the elite group of F1 drivers who continue racing into their 40s this century, Hamilton aspires to replicate Nigel Mansell’s 1994 success and claim victory in a fifth decade.
Hamilton, known for challenging conventions, last took the championship crown in 2020 and hasn’t shied away from publicly discussing his intention to honour his mother by changing his name.
He declared in 2022: “I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton. Actually, none of you might know that my mum’s [sur]name is Larbalestier. And I’m just about to put that in my name.”
He hinted that he would use his expanded moniker in future competitions.
In a discussion on the tradition of changing names after marriage, Hamilton opined to the Express: “Because I don’t really fully understand the whole idea of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name. I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
It has been tough times for Hamilton in Formula 1, as Max Verstappen and Red Bull have taken the reins, but the racing superstar remains optimistic. Despite only two wins and three other podiums last year, he sees reasons to be hopeful about the season ahead.
Ferrari closed the final nine races of 2024 on a high note, claiming seven podiums including three victories. Earlier in January, Hamilton shared his enthusiasm for his future with Scuderia Ferrari on LinkedIn, saying, “I could not be more excited for the year ahead,”, and musing about the move, “Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on.”
Looking towards 2025, Hamilton offers wisdom for those pondering career changes: “To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.”
He finished by issuing a rousing rallying cry: “Here’s to 2025 – a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo #newjob.”
As Hamilton gears up for a fresh start at Ferrari’s base in Italy, anticipation is mounting ahead of the season launch event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. The grand unveiling of the new Ferrari is set to happen the following day, with pre-season testing kicking off a week after.
This leaves Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc just over a month to get to grips with their new vehicle.
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