Lewis Hamilton has denied Bernie Ecclestone's claim that he would have preferred a sabbatical in 2013 rather than stay at McLaren. Referring to the 2008 world champion's soured relationship with McLaren as he considered a move to Mercedes last year, Ecclestone said: "Lewis told me that he would have rather taken a year off. "In fairness to Lewis, he didn't leave McLaren over money," Ecclestone told business journalist Christian Sylt.
When Ecclestone's claims were put to Hamilton in Malaysia on Thursday, the 28-year-old driver responded: "I don't remember that. I don't think I would leave this sport unless I didn't have a good feeling about it, or a smile and an energy when I got in the car. I love racing, so there is no need to stop. I am happy -- I think Bernie has a better memory than me," he is quoted by the Telegraph.
Given McLaren's early crisis in 2013, many now see Hamilton's move to Mercedes as inspired. But although outwardly happy with his new challenge, team and 2013 car, Hamilton said he does not feel quite ready to win races or push for the title. "I don't feel 100 per cent yet, and I think that showed in practice in Australia in the wet," he said.
As for the weekend's challenge at Sepang, the Briton admitted: "I don't think I am quick here. Fernando (Alonso) beat me on this circuit in 2007, in only my second grand prix, and since then I have not had a spectacular race here." (GMM)
Order the latest Mercedes merchandise here!
Hamilton doesn't remember considering 2013 sabbatical
- Published on 22 Mar 2013 12:08
-
0
- By: Rob Veenstra
.
Trending news
-
Verstappen Makes His Choice: Fifth Title Over Le Mans Victory Every TimeMax Verstappen has been spending considerable time at the Nurburgring lately, and his passion for endurance racing is...
22 Apr 2026 18:25 -
Leclerc Says He Can Win the World Championship With Ferrari This SeasonCharles Leclerc is not being cautious about his ambitions. After two podiums in the first three races and third place...
22 Apr 2026 17:23 -
Norris Reveals He Struggled With Mental Problems During His Title-Winning SeasonLando Norris has spoken openly about a period of real self-doubt during his world championship season, the year he he...
22 Apr 2026 16:21 -
Hill Says Hamilton Has Accepted the End Is Approaching: "The Things That Used to Come Naturally No Longer Work the Same Way"Lewis Hamilton is back on the podium and back in the conversation at Ferrari, but Damon Hill sees something different...
22 Apr 2026 15:18 -
The Rule Changes May Actually Benefit Antonelli More Than Anyone ElseWhen Formula 1 announced its regulatory tweaks for Miami, most observers assumed the target was slowing Mercedes down...
22 Apr 2026 14:17
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
-
Jan 26
I. Hadjar
- 1:18.159
-
-
-
Jan 27
M. Verstappen
- 1:19.578
-
-
-
Jan 28
A. Antonelli
- 1:17.362
-
-
-
Jan 29
G. Russell
- 1:16.445
-
-
-
Jan 30
L. Hamilton
- 1:16.348
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
-
-
-
Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
-
-
-
Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
-
-
Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
-
-
Feb 20
C. Leclerc
- 1:31.992
-
-
World Championship standings 2026
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
Pos
Team
Points
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
-
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Driver profile
- Team Ferrari
- Points 3,574
- Podiums 133
- Grand Prix 235
- Country GB
- Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (41)
- Place of b. Tewin, GB
- Weight 68 kg
- Length 1.74 m
- 482,462 comments on Ferrari
66 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Lewis Hamilton
Team profile
- Team name Mercedes
- Base Brackley, Germany
- Michael Schumacher 3
- Nico Rosberg 4
- Nico Rosberg 6
- Michael Schumacher 7
- Nico Rosberg 8
- Nico Rosberg 8
- Nico Rosberg 9
- Lewis Hamilton 10
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli 12
- Lewis Hamilton 44
- George Russell 63
- Valtteri Bottas 77
- 633,251 comments on Mercedes
- 59 members have this team as their favourite
- Tweets about Mercedes
Replies (0)
Login to reply