His third engine was damaged at the Belgian Grand Prix when crashed into Fernando Alonzo. Prior to that crash, that engine was brand new. The engine needed repairs after Hamilton chose to continue after the crash even with fluids leaking. He was stopped by officials after half a lap.
“That’s my doing,” said Hamilton. “We’re still hopeful we can use that again but I have to recover the best I can from the back.”
Before the incident, Hamilton had been looking to continue his record of winning a Grand Prix for every season in his career. He later said that records are not that important to him.
“I don’t care about records,” he said. “But I am focused on getting that win.”
“I am grateful that each year since 2007 we have had an opportunity to win. I do believe we will have a chance this year. We still have seven races to go and it is definitely a big goal to get back to the front.”
“I have no idea where our car is going to be great. It was a surprise when I got into the car last weekend.”
He continues to be determined to win his eighth-worth title.
“For me, it’s about winning another world championship,” he said. “The feeling of winning it is so unique and special. But of course, the idea that no driver in history has gone past seven, you want to try to accomplish that.”
“But as you get older you appreciate the journey is what’s important and the people you bring with you. With the work we’re doing with Mission 44, there is a much bigger picture. But the eighth title remains a goal and I would be so proud to do it with this team.”
“I feel healthier than I’ve ever felt - I focus a lot on that. I’m feeling fit, I love what I’m doing and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”
“My goal has always been to be with Mercedes. I love that we have the long partnership we have. I love that we are embarking on lots of positive things. I want to be a part of that. I will always be with Mercedes to the day I die and I feel I can race for quite a bit longer. So I will be potentially steering towards that.”
He lost last year’s Championship to Max Verstappen.