Lewis Hamilton wants to become world champion again so he can retire from Formula 1 on a high.
But still he insists that racing is no longer the most important thing in his life. When he was younger his career was certainly the Brit's top priority, but he admits now that he has matured he recognises there at other aspects to life which now take precedence over success in F1.
Despite that, he remains very competitive and was frustrated throughout 2022 as he was unable to challenge for race victories and the title. Hamilton wants to get back to winning ways next year – having watched Max Verstappen lift the last two world championship trophies – and make sure he adds an eighth title to his collection before he steps away from the sport.
He admitted as much in an interview with German outlet Sport BILD, in which he was asked if he wanted to avoid retiring after a decline, as was the case with Sebastian Vettel. "I think retiring as a world champion is a dream that every athlete has – and so do I," was his reply.
Speaking about how F1 ranks in terms of the main aspects of his life these days, he added: "Motorsport isn't the most important thing for me either. When I was a kid maybe it was. Probably also when I got into Formula 1.
"Ever since I was in my 30s, I've realized that it's all about making memories with friends, with family. It's about key memories with the people who mean the most to you. That's what I focus on and plan things to create those moments, because that's what you take with you in the long run.
Hamilton turns 38 in January and there is no doubt that he is now in the final stages of his F1 career overall. But despite plenty of retirement rumours over the last 12 months, he looks set to continue for a while yet and is expected to sign a new Mercedes deal this winter.
The Brit said there was little to report when asked for an update on his contract situation. Hamilton said: "We haven't started with that yet. So far we haven't had the time, we've been on the road for two months at a time."
But he will definitely be renewing, he said. "Sometimes you wake up and have the feeling: 'I don't want to do this any more'. And sometimes you wake up and think: 'I can still do other things my whole life'. There is definitely more I want to achieve – it won't be a terribly long time now, but I'll definitely be staying."
