Hamilton considered taking sabbatical 'to rest his mind and body'

  • Published on 10 May 2020 12:45
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has considered taking a year away from the sport to rest his body and mind.

In the last six seasons of F1, Hamilton has secured five world championship, pushing his name to the top of many record tables.

Former rival Nico Rosberg, who beat Hamilton to the drivers' world title in 2016, retired from the sport after he achieved world championship success. 

Hamilton admits that he has also had thoughts about placing his priorities elsewhere, but concluded that resting when he was in his prime would not be a wise idea.

“There have been times in the past five years that I have thought that it would be good for my mind and my body to take a rest for a year,“ he said.

“But I don't think [for] an athlete in their prime it is ever a good thing to step away for a year and then come back.

"Technology moves so fast and at such a rate, you need to stay on top of this car. To take a sabbatical is just not on the cards.”

Hamilton added that he is currently in a “part-sabbatical” due to the delay to the start of the 2020 season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that he is feeling “fresher and healthier” than ever before.

The 35-year-old says he is seeing how much sport means to some people, as most competitions have been postponed due to the coronavirus.

"I'm getting messages from people around the world who are struggling during this period because they're not getting to watch sports,” he said.

"And it just shows you how significant sport is in people's eyes. It brings us all together and it's so exciting and captivating. It's going to be better than nothing.

"I don't think any of us have really had time to truly unleash the potential of our cars so I'm excited to get back in. I really really do miss it."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • denis1304

    Posts: 284

    "resting when he was in his prime"... he or his car?

    • + 0
    • May 11 2020 - 00:22

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 21:49

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 21:49

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Ferrari
  • Points 3,386
  • Podiums 132
  • Grand Prix 210
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (40)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar