Hamilton denies considering 2013 sabbatical
'I love racing, so there is no need to stop' - Hamilton
Mar.22 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has denied Bernie Ecclestone's claim that he would have preferred a sabbatical in 2013 rather than stay at McLaren.
Referring to the 2008 world champion's soured relationship with McLaren as he considered a move to Mercedes last year, Ecclestone said: "Lewis told me that he would have rather taken a year off.
"In fairness to Lewis, he didn't leave McLaren over money," Ecclestone told business journalist Christian Sylt.
"I don't think I would leave this sport unless I didn't have a good feeling about it, or a smile and an energy when I got in the car. I love racing, so there is no need to stop.
"I am happy -- I think Bernie has a better memory than me," he is quoted by the Telegraph.
Given McLaren's early crisis in 2013, many now see Hamilton's move to Mercedes as inspired.
But although outwardly happy with his new challenge, team and 2013 car, Hamilton said he does not feel quite ready to win races or push for the title.
"I don't feel 100 per cent yet, and I think that showed in practice in Australia in the wet," he said.
As for the weekend's challenge at Sepang, the Briton admitted: "I don't think I am quick here.
"Fernando (Alonso) beat me on this circuit in 2007, in only my second Grand Prix, and since then I have not had a spectacular race here."
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
How to watch the 2026 Met Gala and is Lewis Hamilton attending?
Lewis Hamilton turns heads with bold runway Saint Laurent look at F1 Miami GP
Toto Wolff: Mercedes poor starts “not acceptable” if we want to win F1 world titles
George Russell: Trying Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes F1 car changes "made a bigger impact than I thought"
How Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes defeated Lando Norris and McLaren in Miami's F1 thriller
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
Red Bull makes gains and Ferrari updates fall flat: A deep dive into the Miami GP data
McLaren's LMDh prototype hits the track for the first time
Toto Wolff: Mercedes poor starts “not acceptable” if we want to win F1 world titles
Why some F1 team bosses think drivers shouldn't have a say in the rules
F1 2026 might be flawed, but Miami showed why it's also enjoyable
Alex Zanardi’s top 10 moments
Why V8s have entered the F1 chat (again)
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments