There’s no doubt about the fact that becoming a Formula 1 driver is difficult. After all, only 20 drivers get the chance to compete in the sport each season. However, what’s even more difficult is to leave your mark on the sport. To achieve something that the world will remember you by, like winning championships. And currently, there are only 3 championship-winning drivers on the grid: Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso. But is that all that’s common between the three? Hamilton recently explained the one unique quality that’s common between the three world champions.

Max Verstappen is dominating the F1 scene at the moment. Thanks to the rocket ship designed by Adrian Newey. However, the other two had their period of domination as well. Hamilton dominated the better part of the turbo-hybrid era from 2014 to 2022, while Alonso became world champion by beating a seemingly unbeatable Michael Schumacher. With the promise of Mercedes and Aston Martin improving their 2024 challenger, the upcoming season will be exciting, to say the least.

Lewis Hamilton explains what’s common between him, Verstappen, and Alonso

During a recent interview with Formule1.nl, Lewis Hamilton was asked about his thoughts on Max Verstappen. The British driver had nothing but praise for the Dutchman and what he has achieved in the past couple of years. According to Hamilton, Verstappen should continue capitalizing on the opportunity he has been given in the current era of Formula 1.

When asked to comment on what’s similar between himself and the other two world champions, Hamilton explained, “I think that not only us, but all drivers in Formula 1 are extremely driven. But for different reasons. Different upbringing, different opportunities, different challenges. But I see a lot of similarities with all these drivers and also with younger drivers from Formula 2 and Formula 3, for example.”

“I think Max and Fernando have one thing in common with me: all three of us are very competitive. We go to extremes to achieve what we want. I can’t say much about how they have progressed as a person. I only know them from the Formula 1 world, it’s not like I visit them, for example,” he added.

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At 38 years old, Lewis Hamilton is closer to his retirement than you might think. And so, the Brit also shed light on his potential 8th world championship and what it might mean for his career.

An 8th world title is not the end goal for Hamilton

If it wasn’t for the manipulation of safety car rules in the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP, Lewis Hamilton would currently be an 8-time F1 world champion. When he decided to come back stronger in 2022, Mercedes failed to make the most out of the new regulations. Red Bull, on the other hand, hit the nail on its head with the help of Adrian Newey’s exceptional talent.

During the interview, Lewis spoke about whether winning the 8th world title is his ultimate goal in F1. “I never said that an eighth title would be the endpoint,“ said Hamilton. “And I don’t know what follows after driving in Formula 1. I don’t necessarily feel the desire to remain active in Formula 1 any longer. But as I said before: never say ‘never’. I can’t imagine not riding anymore and still being in a pit box somewhere. I would probably think: ‘I could stick with it for another year, then I could still participate.’ So it would probably be better to take a sabbatical and then see if I would still like to come back.“

READ MORE: Traumatic History With Lewis Hamilton Triggers Fernando Alonso to Spark Off Sneaky Fight for Max Verstappen’s Supremacy

Do you think the W15 will finally allow Lewis Hamilton to take the fight to Verstappen? Or are we in for another dominant season by the Dutchman? Share your insights with us in the comments down below.