Speaking publicly for the first time since Formula 1’s controversial season finale at the Abu Dhabi GP, where he lost the world title after a controversial decision by race director Michael Masi , Lewis Hamilton spoke about how his love for the series had been affected by those events.
Although it is true that the Briton denied that he had considered withdrawing in recent weeks, he did admit that it had cost him to process everything that had happened.
“Of course at the end of each season you think and ask yourself if you are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to become world champion,” he said.
“I think a lot of people underestimate what it takes to be a champion. There’s a lot behind it, it’s not just about getting in and driving the car.
“The question is, do you want to sacrifice that time? Do you think you can continue to push with the same weight that you’re doing now? So that’s a normal thought process for me.”
“But of course this process was harder this year because of one big factor. And I think in the end I’ve loved Formula 1 all my life, but there was a moment where I obviously lost a little bit of faith in it. the system”.
“But overall, I’m a very determined person. And I like to think that while moments like this can define a driver’s career, I refuse to let this define mine. stronger than I can be and come back even stronger.
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Asked by Motorsport.com if the changes the FIA had announced these days, including Masi ‘s replacement and the creation of a virtual race control support system, were enough to restore his faith, Hamilton said he wanted to see something more. .
“I put faith and trust side by side. And so I think trust obviously is something that can be lost in the blink of an eye.”
“But building trust is something that is built over a long period of time. So while I didn’t see it coming, this first announcement is maybe a first step. But that obviously doesn’t change everything yet.”
“We have to see all the actions that are taken and I think it will take a little bit of time. But I am not focused on that at the moment. The only thing I am doing is putting all my energy and all my time to make sure that I am the best. pilot you’ve ever seen.
Hamilton also said that the key for him was to ensure that the FIA delivered the consistency that many felt was missing in 2021 when it came to making decisions.
“While we can’t change the past, and nothing can change how I felt then and how I feel right now about that situation, it’s good to see that the FIA is taking the necessary steps to improve the system,” he said.
“I think taking responsibility is key. And we have to use this moment to make sure this never happens again.”
“Even everything that the FIA has said, we appreciate that. But we have to make sure that we keep a close eye on it and that we’re really seeing the results of those changes. The rules have to be applied fairly, accurately and consistently.” seven times world champion.
