Lewis Hamilton, the multiple Formula 1 world champion, is in a crucial time in his career in the highest category of professional motorsports, where he not only has to compete with his colleagues on the tracks but is also in a stage of extra reflection about what the future holds for him behind the wheel. In a recent interview for GQ magazine, the Englishman opened up and shared personal experiences, revealing the trials of life inside and outside the pits that he has had to face, as well as his plans for the future.
His first days in Formula 1 were not easy
“When I first got into Formula 1, it was waking up, training, run-run-run-run, nothing else. There was no room for anything else. I realized that working all the time does not bring you happiness and you need to find a balance in life. And I discovered that I was actually quite unhappy,” admitted the former McLaren driver.
Michael Jordan helped Hamilton in due time
Hamilton, who has been world champion 7 times, also commented that he sought guidance and advice on other great sports stars, such as Michael Jordan, Serena Williams and Boris Becker, to prepare for the future. “I had spoken to so many incredible athletes, from Boris Becker to Serena Williams, even Michael Jordan,” she revealed. “Talking to greats that I have met along the way, who are retired, or on the way, and the fear of what is next, the lack of preparation for what is coming,” she added.
Retirement is part of athletes’ lives and Hamilton cannot escape from itbut it is something that so far English has not considered 100%.
Three GOATs and a superstar in the #MiamiGP
*Tom Brady – 7 NFL titles
*Lewis Hamilton – 7 F1 titles
*Michael Jordan – 6 NBA titles
*David Beckham – 6 Premier League titles pic.twitter.com/1qIIdTB2E7— Pete Dominguez (@pedrodomg) May 8, 2022
“A lot of them said, ‘I stopped too early.’ Or: ‘I stayed too long, when it was over, I had nothing planned. My whole world fell apart because my whole life has been focused on that sport,’” the Mercedes driver shared. “But he made me think: Well, when I stop, how can I avoid it? And then I got serious about finding other things that I was passionate about,” he added.
Hamilton is to a certain extent quite clear about what he wants to do once he stops driving. at high speeds in Formula 1, and many of his interests include forays into fashion and cinema. Hamilton has collaborated with the renowned Tommy Hilfiger brand and launched his own film production company, Dawn Apollo Films, with exciting projects such as a Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt.
The catwalks and the cinema
In addition, he has expressed his interest in making a living in acting., revealing an opportunity he had at one time to be part of Tom Cruise’s film, Top Gun: Maverick due to his racing commitments. “I remember when I told Joe (producer) and Tom, my heart broke. Then, of course, I regretted it. When I saw the movie I thought, ‘That could have been me!'” Hamilton shared.
As for the world of fashion, the 39-year-old pilot debuted in a fashion show of fashion in 2007: “I come from the world of motorsports in which my dad and I were the only blacks. And when I came to the fashion world, it was so diverse. “I loved it,” Hamilton said.
Now with much more experience in this area, between 2018 and 2020, Lewis collaborated much more closely with Tommy Hilfiger, designing five collections for the brand. “Working with these designers behind the scenes was almost like doing an internship. I was able to participate a lot, get involved in the entire process. And then I would go to the races and feel free.”
Hamilton has initiated projects to end homogeneity and seek to be and make a difference in each of his projects, through his vision: “I think it is about working on the visibility of those below. There are many incredible young and emerging brands that will, at some point, be gobbled up by large organizations. And they will lose a considerable percentage of the company they have created. I think it’s about having a place at the table, and it’s not easy,” she said.
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