Lewis Hamilton fires warning at Max Verstappen as Brit "hungry" to reclaim title

08 February 2023 , 16:37

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Lewis Hamilton declared he is "so much hungrier now" ahead of the new F1 season (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton has declared his "hunger" for more Formula 1 success with a throwback post on social media.

The Brit already holds a wide range of records and is a strong contender in the discussion over who is the best to ever compete in the sport. His total of seven world titles is matched only by Michael Schumacher, while he has more race wins and podiums than anyone else ever.

So, by his lofty standards, the 2022 season was one to forget. It was the first year in which Hamilton failed to win a single race since he first began racing in F1, due to a lack of competitiveness his Mercedes W13 car which could not match the machines created by their rivals.

He has spent much of the winter break travelling around the globe – even spending some down time in Antarctica. But, with the new season fast approaching, Hamilton appears to be back in the zone and ready for what he hopes will be another title challenge.

Posting two photos of himself during his karting days as a youngster, the 38-year-old wrote: "I remember how excited I was when I saw my first go kart wrapped up in my living room. I saw it before I was supposed to and had to act all surprised when my parents called me in to open it.

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"Even walked in with my back turned to it and acted like it wasn't there. From the very first time I got to drive it, I felt at one. I knew I was meant to do this. I knew I was powerful. More powerful and hungrier than other kids. That hunger was there from day one and it's still here today. I was hungry then, so much hungrier now."

Those final few sentences are indicative of a man who feels he has unfinished business in this sport. He previously said he would not still be racing past the age of 40, but that is now less than two years away and he has signalled his intention to sign a new long-term contract with Mercedes.

Discussions over that deal were due to take place this winter. Regarding the lack of action on that front, team boss Toto Wolff said it had been delayed due to Hamilton's globetrotting, and promised that they would sit down to thrash out an agreement soon.

Searching for his eighth world title, Hamilton will hope to renew his rivalry with Max Verstappen this year. The Dutchman was relatively unchallenged last season after controversially coming out on top at the infamous climax of their enthralling title race during the 2021 campaign.

Daniel Moxon