SUZUKA, Japan: Lewis Hamilton said he is more committed to Formula One than ever as the seven-times world champion credited a change in mindset and intense training for his resurgence this season.
The 41-year-old endured a difficult debut campaign with Ferrari last year, finishing without a podium for the first time in his career, but ended that drought in China earlier this month and appears revitalised under the sport’s new rules era.
“I think it’s just a change of attitude, just not letting all the noise get in the way of knowing who I am and what I’m able to do,” Hamilton told reporters ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Hamilton said he had doubled down on his physical preparation, including a recent 100-kilometre running block during a stay in Tokyo.
“I know that none of the drivers I’m racing against have trained as hard as I have and given it what I have, especially at my age,” he added.
“I love that I still have that drive to push myself. The commitment is there more than ever.”
Hamilton, Formula One’s most successful driver with 105 wins, is fourth in the standings after two races, one point behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
The Briton said his on-track battles with Leclerc had rekindled his enjoyment, comparing their wheel-to-wheel duels to karting and recalling his rivalry with former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg during the 2014 season.
“But that’s how racing should be… it shouldn’t be like one move is done and that’s it,” Hamilton said.
