02 January 2024 , 18:01
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Lewis Hamilton says he has four reasons not to walk away from Formula 1 as he bids to end his career-record winless run.
Before 2022, Hamilton had never gone a single F1 season without winning at least one race. Now, he is more than two years without tasting victory and, as he approaches his 39th birthday, time may be running out for the seven-time world champion to add to his record-breaking tally of 103.
He will have at least two more seasons to do so. Hamilton penned a new Mercedes contract extension until the end of 2025, just short of his 41st birthday. It remains to be seen whether it will be his last F1 deal.
But regardless of his age and the adversity facing his team - Red Bull have dominated the last two seasons and hold a significant car performance advantage - Hamilton insists he still has the drive to continue to fight for more success.
Asked what his motivations are, he gave reporters four reasons. He said: "It's the dream of standing on the top step, seeing your team. One of the most amazing things is being able to look back and having the flag of the nation rising behind you, and seeing the team.
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"I remember the first win I had with this team [in Hungary in 2013]. I have a particular picture of 2015 in Australia with the [team] down there in tears - it was just amazing to be a part of that.
"The power of that is a huge part of the drive. Winning the world championship is a huge part of the drive. Continuing to build with the team on the impact work we're doing, and continuing to push with the team with Mission 44. I don't know how far that can go and I'm trying to expand it, and that means I've got to raise more money."
Mercedes have gone back to basics with their 2024 car design in a significant change of course after two fruitless years in Red Bull's shadow. Given how dominant their rivals have been in that time, the task facing Hamilton's team as they bid to return to their own glory days is enormous.
Looking at the situation, Hamilton says he is reminded of when he first joined the team in 2013. He added: "When I moved, there was an excitement. We expected it to be rubbish to start off with, because they hadn't had a lot of success, so this there was just raw excitement. I was a new person on the team, getting into the nitty-gritty with everyone and building relationships. That was a different kind of excitement.
"Now, we have known each other for years and we have great relationships throughout. So, I think it is interesting also from the outside, just looking at everyone and how they are handling the time.
"I think people who are watching don't appreciate (that) for everyone, they are away from their homes and their families for so long, missing special dates with kids and all sorts. You see people's energy levels go up and down and you try to fill in the voids when there is one, and the same vice versa. That's what a team does."