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Lewis Hamilton is not ruling out racing in Formula 1 well into his forties, insisting that age has not stopped him from competing against drivers much younger than himself.
The seven-time world champion made the comments ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix, where he was asked whether he could still be on the grid in the 2030s.
Hamilton, 41, pointed to his experience and continued competitiveness as reasons he believes he can keep going. "Firstly, you've never had anyone like me here in the 70 years. So, I feel that I'm built differently," the Ferrari driver said.
He acknowledged that ageing could eventually affect his performance but argued that assumptions about declining reaction times had not matched his experience. "Did you see my reaction in the last race? My reaction is faster than some of the youngest people here," he said.
Hamilton added that staying competitive requires considerable effort, but he remains willing to make the sacrifices necessary to continue racing. "I can't say in four years whether I want to continue to do what I'm doing, but I still love what I'm doing now. I'm still all in. And I will be for the foreseeable future," he said.
He admitted that he could not be certain whether he would still be able to compete with a 20-year-old when he reaches 44. For now, however, he has no doubts about his ability. "But at 41, I can compete with a 20-year-old. So, time will tell whether I'm here in the '30s. We'll see," he added.
Despite his willingness to extend his career, Hamilton made it clear that he would not remain in Formula 1 if his performances began to decline. "I never want to overstay my welcome in the sense of not still having the performance," he said, adding that he did not want to continue racing if his reactions, driving ability or pace had dropped significantly.
His comments come after a difficult first season with Ferrari in 2025, when he struggled to adapt to the team and went without a Grand Prix podium. His fortunes have improved in 2026, with Hamilton returning to the podium and establishing himself among the drivers fighting near the front of the championship.
He currently sits third in the Drivers' Championship, just one point behind Mercedes' George Russell.
