Lewis Hamilton vows to stay for 20th season amid Ferrari challenges
Lewis Hamilton has issued a defiant declaration on social media, insisting he is “not going anywhere” as he looks to silence critics who called for his retirement following a turbulent debut campaign with Ferrari, reports BritPanorama.
The seven-time world champion posted a powerful statement after the conclusion of Formula 1 testing, where the Italian team’s SF-26 has shown promising pace under the sport’s new chassis and power unit regulations.
“I’m re-set and refreshed. I’m not going anywhere, so stick with me,” Hamilton wrote, directly addressing speculation about his future as he prepares for his 20th season in the sport. The British driver candidly admitted that his first year with Ferrari represented one of the most challenging periods of his illustrious career.
Throughout the difficult campaign, Hamilton faced substantial criticism from prominent motorsport figures who questioned his decision to continue racing, leaving him visibly dejected for much of the year. The 41-year-old endured a season without a single podium finish across all 24 races, marking an unprecedented low point for the 105-time grand prix winner. “For a moment, I forgot who I was, but thanks to you and your support you’re not going to see that mindset again,” he stated.
Expressing deep appreciation for the efforts of those working behind the scenes at Maranello to construct the new challenger, Hamilton remarked, “It’s inspiring to watch a team pull out all the stops to build a car. It’s the most fascinating part of this job for me. Everything is built from scratch and designed and redesigned over and over.” He noted that the sensation of driving remains as thrilling as ever, stating, “I love this job so much and I love working with my team and driving for the fans.”
Hamilton urged his supporters to remain loyal as he embarks on his second decade in Formula 1, declaring, “I know what needs to be done. This is going to be one hell of a season. I’ve given everything to be here today. Let’s go team!” While the true competitive order will only emerge once the championship is properly underway, Ferrari’s new machine appears to provide a strong foundation for the Scuderia to build upon.
As the season unfolds, Hamilton’s resolve underscores not just his own ambitions, but the essence of a sport where resilience often defines champions. With a narrative rife with potential, the coming races are poised to reveal how well the veteran can navigate the uncertainties that lie ahead.
