Lewis Hamilton speaks out on plans to have a family and 'terrifying' Toto Wolff chat
Lewis Hamilton opened up about his want to finally start a family in an eye-opening interview as he also discussed how daunting it was for him to tell Toto Wolff that he would be joining Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton admitted that he wants to start a family - but noted that he still has work to do in Formula One with Ferrari.
The racing driver usually keeps a tight lid when it comes to his personal life with his only relationship known to the public being his on-and-off romance with former Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger.
The 39-year-old - who is currently single - opened up about his personal life in an interview with The Sunday Times where he revealed his desire to begin a family, but pointed out that it won't be now.
"One day," he said when asked if he'd ever want a family. "I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level that I do it today with that.
"One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is. And my nieces and nephew are a handful. There will be a time and a place for it, and I can’t wait for that part. But right now I have some work to do."
Hamilton is in his 12th and final year with Mercedes with the Brit making the move to Ferrari in 2025 after announcing the blockbuster move earlier this year.
The seven-time champion may be among the greatest to ever do it in F1 but even he's scared of his boss, admitting that it was "terrifying" telling Mercedes chief Toto Wolff his plans to leave the Silver Arrows.
"It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions from the moment I signed the contract —telling my boss, that was terrifying," Hamilton said. "But it is so exciting because I remember as a kid watching Michael [Schumacher]. Every driver watches that car and you’re like, ‘What would it be like to sit in the red cockpit?’"
While Mercedes may no longer be the animal it was three years ago, Hamilton has still managed to clinch two race wins this season. He believes he's a better driver now at 39 than when he first entered the sport in 2007 and went as far as to claim that he thinks he's still sharper than his younger rivals.
He added: "I’m in such a good place, physically and mentally. My reaction times are still quicker than the young guys. I think I’m a better driver than I was at 22. I was just young, energetic and ruthless, but no finesse, no balance.
"I didn’t know how to be a team player, how to be a leader. Being a good racing driver, it’s not just about being fast, it’s about being the most rounded."