Lewis Hamilton has reassured fans that his Formula 1 career remains his top priority despite having his attention divided in recent times.
Hamilton has very admirably been using his platform to push for more diversity both in the sport and in general life, such as with his Mission 44 project. And he has also been preparing for life after racing, having announced a number of major investments in recent months.
This week it was revealed the seven-time drivers' world champion had pumped some cash into TMRW Sports, the LIV Golf rival spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. That came after the creation of his movie and TV production company Dawn Apollo Films, and his investment in NFL franchise the Denver Broncos.
Such a flurry of announcements concerning his extra-curricular activities led to suggestions Hamilton may no longer be as focussed on his racing career as he once was. But the Brit has now rubbished such claims, and insists he is committed to helping his Mercedes team get back to winning ways.
"It is not that [his other projects] are less important," Hamilton said. "My priority is with my job here with the team. When you are racing on a weekend, there is time in between to do the work there and the work with Mission 44 for example.
"I am still able to steer the ship on that. I have a great group of people who are leading and doing what I have asked for and pushing it in the right direction. I know what is being overloaded, I know what is being distracted and I will never let that get to that point so it is just about balancing.
"I say no to so many things. I get asked every day to do so many different things and I am able to push back and say no. If I know that that is going to affect my preparation or get in the way of my training or time with the team or have any possible impact on my race weekend, it is a big no.
"That is with friends and relationships. This is what I am focused on. At the moment, I don't have a relationship, I don't have any kids. This is, in part, my baby, as is Mission 44. Those are the things I am cherishing and trying to put energy into."
Hamilton is finishing the season much more strongly than he started it, as Mercedes have made impressive strides in developing their car to catch up to Red Bull and Ferrari. The Silver Arrows are yet to win a race in 2022, but there is still some hope from the Brit that he might be able to change that in the final two races of the year.
