Hamilton Feels 'Great Thrill' in 348th F1 Grand Prix Race

Lewis Hamilton reveals the enduring thrill and passion he feels every time he starts his F1 car, even after nearly 20 years in racing.

Lewis Hamilton, competing in his 348th Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend, discussed how he maintains his motivation. The Mercedes F1 driver revealed that despite the sport being his daily life for nearly two decades, the passion still ignites within him as soon as his car starts.

“It’s a very good question. Like anything, there is an element of routine,” Hamilton stated. “When we accelerate into the first corner coming out of the pit lane, there’s no fear because it’s part of our job.”

“I don’t know about others, but for me personally, when I’m strapped in for the first time and they start the car, I feel the same surge of exhilaration inside.”

“Then, as everyone moves away the tire warmers and we head out onto the pit lane, take the first corner, and complete the first lap, I always experience a great thrill.”

Importantly, the seven-time world champion takes nothing for granted, and he continues to feel the same remarkable sensation when he drives a single-seater: “There are so many moments where I still pinch myself to be able to do this.”

“It’s really something I wish you could all feel and experience. It’s probably why I still race, because it hasn’t become normal to the point where I no longer feel it.”

“If I were numb to it, that would really be dreadful, and I would probably do something else. But I would have to be flying fighter jets or something very raw or something like that, I don’t know, to get close to this feeling.”

Nico Hülkenberg also shares that he has felt this same intensity since he entered F1 in 2010: “We’re always in a process, especially in qualifying when you’re on the limit, sometimes beyond the limit, you play with the limit, in which we have to do everything.”

“But of course, when you pass the turn, you think ‘that was great, I’ve done it,’ and it was perfect or not. On the cool-down lap, you have a little time to assimilate everything, prepare for the next run, and try to optimize the next lap.

“Yes, as Lewis says, we get used to certain things. And it’s our job. But obviously, it’s always very exciting and very, very special.”