Lewis Hamilton has vowed that “nothing can take me down” as he reacted to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s assertion that every individual in Formula 1 has a “shelf life”.
Hamilton’s decision to pen a deal with Ferrari from 2025 will bring the curtain down on the sport’s most decorated driver and team partnership once this season ends.
However, Wolff claimed that one positive to Hamilton’s impending departure was that it “avoids the moment” where he would have had to call time on the association.
The Austrian’s comment came amid his revelation that Mercedes opted to be exposed to a shock Hamilton exit with a one-plus-one deal as “everyone has a shelf life”.
Wolff has since clarified those quotes, citing that his words were taken “out of context” as he denied the suggestion that he was insinuating Hamilton is past his peak.
When Wolff’s comments were put to him, Hamilton told media including Motorsport Week in Las Vegas: “I spoke to Toto earlier.
“I’ve not seen what’s in the news, if I’m honest, up until this weekend, so I’ve not been keeping up to date with it. It doesn’t make any difference to me.
“I think he’s clarified his point. Toto has been massively supportive over the years, [it] doesn’t really make any bearing.”
Hamilton in the ‘best place’ he’s ever been in F1
Hamilton proceeded to pinpoint that he has become accustomed to ignoring negative comments made through the media that have been intended to destabilise him.
The seven-time F1 champion, who will turn 40 before his anticipated Ferrari debut, expressed that he is in the best shape he has ever been despite his poor recent run.
Asked whether he feels he has something to prove to Wolff, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: “I think just me being here, standing tall, I feel strong, I’ve been training well.
“Honestly I feel like I’m in the best place I’ve been mentally and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.”
“I’ve been around this game for a long time. There’s been so many things that have been said about me.
“There’s been so many microaggressions – not from my boss because he’s been supportive – but in general within the media, nothing can take me down.
“I’m still here, I’m still fighting and I’m going to continue to push.
“We’ve got a team that I generally still love and even though I’m leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races.”
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