Hamilton Signals Comeback: F1’s 41-year-old star shows no signs of slowing

Lewis Hamilton , 41, is showing that his competitive fire is undimmed, both on and off the track, as he prepares for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.

The seven-time world champion shared that he had already finished a strenuous morning training run , returning to his hotel dripping with sweat while some fellow drivers were only just waking up. “I know that none of the drivers I'm racing against have trained as hard as I have , especially at my age,” Hamilton said Thursday. “I still have that drive to push myself .”

Hamilton has started the 2026 season strongly after a rare slump last year with Scuderia Ferrari, when he failed to win a race or reach the podium, finishing fourth on four occasions. This season, however, he has been a consistent contender : he secured third place at the Chinese Grand Prix and has a competitive Mercedes car capable of fighting for wins under the sport’s sweeping new hybrid regulations .

“I’ve not lost what I had,” Hamilton said, deflecting critics and emphasizing his confidence in his abilities. The 2026 season features hybrid power units split evenly between electric and internal combustion systems , along with lighter, more agile chassis changes that some drivers, including four-time champion Max Verstappen, have called “artificial.” Hamilton, however, has embraced the challenge. “I think a lot of drivers are not enjoying it, I'm just personally enjoying it ,” he said.

Off the track, Hamilton continues to attract media attention for his high-profile relationship with Kim Kardashian . Despite the spotlight, the driver says he remains focused on his racing ambitions while balancing his personal life.

“This season has given me fresh motivation ,” Hamilton added. “Last year’s setbacks only made me hungrier , and I’m ready to compete at the highest level again .”