Hamilton Unconcerned About Aging: 'Reactions Still Quicker Than Young Guys'

Monday, 30 September 2024 at 14:00

Seven-time F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton discussed aging and suggested he feels like a much better driver now than when he was younger.

As it stands, Lewis Hamilton is the second oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid. He is 39, and his contract with Ferrari means he will still be in F1 when he's 41.

The only older F1 driver is Fernando Alonso, who turned 43 this year. The Aston Martin driver just signed a contract until 2026, which means he will still be on the grid when he turns 45.

A good illustration of how old these two F1 drivers are is pointing to the fact that Andra Kimi Antonelli and Ollie Bearman (who will join F1 in 2025) are 18 and 19 years old.

When Hamilton started his first season in F1, Bearman was one year old, and Antonelli was only seven months old. One more fun fact: Alonso already had two Championship titles to his name at that point.

Both World Champions keep proving that staying competitive with the younger guns is possible despite their age. Hamilton said in his recent interview with The Times:

"Honestly, right now I feel I'm healthier than I've ever been. I'm in such a good place, physically and mentally. My reaction times are still quicker than the young guys."

"I think I'm a better driver than I was at 22. I was just young, energetic, and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance."

"I didn't know how to be a team player, how to be a leader. Being a good racing driver, it's not just about being fast, it's about being the most rounded."

Despite being much older than most of his F1 rivals and not having the fastest car on the grid, the seven-time World Champion won two Grand Prix races in 2024 and continues fighting for more.