Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he contemplated retiring from Formula 1 after controversially losing out on the 2021 World Championship.
Having won six of the seven Drivers’ titles in F1’s turbo-hybrid engine era, Hamilton entered the 2021 Abu Dhabi season finale locked level on points with Max Verstappen.
The Briton was dominating proceedings at the Yas Marina Circuit when ex-FIA race director Michael Masi contravened the FIA restart regulations under a late Safety Car.
Verstappen, who had pitted for new Soft tyres, overtook the Mercedes driver on the final lap, denying Hamilton a record-breaking eighth championship in contentious fashion.
When asked whether retirement was a serious consideration at that moment, Hamilton told Autosport: “For sure, yeah.
“There was so much going through my mind during that period in time. But I think one of the worst things you can do is make decisions based on emotions, because when you are emotional and in the heat of that moment, more often than not, you’re not going to make the best decisions.
“Emotions were high, it was a really, really difficult period of time, so I had to just wait until things calmed down, and that I was clear in my thought and I was able to then make the right decisions.”
Expanding on how he distanced himself from the dubious defeat, he added: “I was around my niece and nephew and was in a beautiful place, in Hawaii, with my family, and at a point where I felt really content and felt I just wanted to get up again and keep going.”
While Verstappen has progressed to win the past two championships, Hamilton has been unable to reignite his rivalry with the Dutchman amid Mercedes’ recent troubles.
The Brackley squad has only amassed one victory since F1’s return to ground effect machinery via George Russell, leaving Hamilton winless since December 2021.
Hamilton, who signed a contract extension through 2025 earlier this year, admits there have been times over the past two seasons where he has doubted his own performance.
“Of course. I’m only human. If anyone in the world tells you they don’t have those things they’re in denial. We’re all human beings,” Hamilton asserted.
But Hamilton has downplayed the magnitude of his ongoing victory drought, insisting that he experienced a similar period to his current one during his earlier stint at McLaren.
Questioned on his protracted wait for a 104th F1 win, Hamilton addressed: “I think that’s a misconception. When I was younger, I had bad years when I was a kid.
“In 2009 the car was horrendous. We did have a win through the year because we had a second upgrade in the season.
“Then 2010-11, also not great years. One on my side from a personal [point of view] the other more often than not the car was not spectacular.
“So, it’s maybe the biggest drought in terms of success, but if you take away those wins, it’s been similar to those seasons.
“I think I’ve learned a lot about my mind state and how to keep it in a solid place and staying positive, adding new tools into my armoury so I can continue to do what I do.
“I’m 38, nearly 39 years old, and I feel great in my body. That’s due to certain tools I’ve been able to accumulate during these two years. Time that I’ve been able to manage outside racing, I think I’ve been able to do a much better job of maintaining energy and focus.
“I’ve got a better team around me than ever before. I guess ultimately when you have difficult seasons like this, there are always going to be moments when you’re like, ‘Is it me or is it the car?’ Do you still have it? Has it gone?
“Because you’re missing that [moment] when the magic happens. When everything comes together, the car and you, and you get that spark, it’s extraordinary, and that’s what you’re in the search for.”
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