Hamilton not driven by recognition in F1

Lewis Hamilton insists he is not driven by being recognised for his achievements in Formula 1 following his title success in 2019.

The Briton secured his sixth world championship at the US Grand Prix earlier this month, putting him one title behind the all-time record held by Michael Schumacher.

Following the race, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ventured to the podium room to congratulate Hamilton, which the 34-year-old admits is "an honour".

However, Hamilton says that the recognition is not what he strives for in F1, stating the respect between the drivers is an "amazing" aspect of the sport.

"Recognition is not something that drives me," he said. "But it definitely it is an honour when you have other drivers, particularly with Seb, that you respect so much for their ability.

"Over the years you have commented over their ability and you have belief in their ability and you’ve then built a rapport that is constantly growing. And for them to take a moment and show that bit of respect is amazing.

"Because each of us knows how hard it is to do what we do. Us 20 drivers, particularly, know how hard it is to do what we do and only a few of us really truly know how hard it is to win on a consistent basis year on year and Seb is one of those."

Hamilton also revealed that he received a congratulatory text message from Fernando Alonso, who was Hamilton's first teammate in F1. 

"It is really awesome. I got a text from Fernando as well which was pretty amazing," Hamilton said. "I was really grateful for that.

"We have been through a whirlwind of experiences together over the years and in all honestly I have always had respect for what he has achieved and his ability , and also seeing his growth through his period of time at McLaren."

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,566
  • Podiums 133
  • Grand Prix 234
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (41)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar