Hamilton: 'I'm still here fighting - nothing can take me down'
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Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions that recent comments from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff have soured their parting relationship, and insists he is in the best shape he has ever been in despite his poor recent run.
As the 39-year-old prepares to leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the season, Hamilton says he is undeterred by media speculation and remains focused on closing out his time with Mercedes on a positive note.
The controversy arose from Wolff's remarks in a recently released book entitled 'Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane', in which the Austrian stated, referring to Hamilton, that "everyone has a shelf life".
The comment, coupled with the Briton's upcoming departure and his mixed 2024 season that included two wins alongside lackluster performances, suggested that the 39-year-old was in decline.
While Wolff later clarified that his words were taken out of context and denied insinuating Hamilton was past his prime, the timing raised eyebrows.
Hamilton, however, was quick to downplay the significance of Wolff's words, citing their longstanding relationship and mutual respect.
"I spoke to Toto earlier," he said, speaking ahead of this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix.
"I've not seen what's in the news, if I'm honest, up until this weekend, so I've not been keeping up to date with it. It doesn't make any difference to me.
"I think he's clarified his point. Toto has been massively supportive over the years, [it] doesn't really make any bearing."
Hamilton, who has long been a focal point for scrutiny throughout his illustrious career, revealed that he has grown adept at tuning out negativity, whether it comes from the media or elsewhere.
"There's been so many things that have been said about me," the seven-time world champion explained. "There's been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he's been supportive – but in general within the media, nothing can take me down.
"I'm still here, I'm still fighting and I'm going to continue to push."
While his recent run of results has been lackluster – culminating in a frustrating performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which Hamilton described as driving the "worst" W15 he'd experienced – his confidence remains unshaken.
"I think just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong, I've been training well," he said, when asked if he felt he had something to prove.
"Honestly, I feel like I'm in the best place I've been mentally and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.
"I've been around this game for a long time. There's been so many things that have been said about me.
"There's been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he's been supportive – but in general within the media."
As Hamilton prepares to don Ferrari red in 2025, he faces the challenge of proving that his peak years are far from over.
With his mental and physical fitness at an all-time high, the British driver seems ready to embrace the fresh start and silence any lingering doubts about his enduring place at the top of Formula 1.
"Nothing can take me down," he said. "I'm still here, I'm still fighting and I'm going to continue to push.
"We've got a team that I generally still love and even though I'm leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races."
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