Hamilton takes aim at F1 media: ‘Nothing can take me down’

Lewis Hamilton is adamant he cannot be taken down, after comments made by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff around his exit from the team triggered a media storm.

Remarks by the Austrian in the newly released book Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane gained traction heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend.

They were perceived to build upon Wolff previously saying that Hamilton opting to leave Mercedes saved him from having to let the 39-year-old go when the time came.

“We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life. So I need to look at the next generation," the book quotes Wolff as stating.

However, he was quick to clarity the comments, explaining to BBC Radio 4 that they had been "taken a little bit out of context."

When Sky Sports F1 broached the subject with Hamilton, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion insisted he did not feel the need to prove a point to his boss, before defending the 52-year-old and turning the attention to the media's involvement.

"No," he responded to the initial question. "I think just me being here standing tall, I feel strong, I’ve been training well, I feel great.

“Honestly, I feel in the best place I’ve been all year mentally, and considering how bad the last race was, I think that says enough.

“I’ve been around this game for a long time. There’s been so many things that are said about me, there’s been so many micro-aggressions - obviously not from my boss because he’s been supportive over all these years and we’ve achieved a lot together - but I mean in general, within the media and through it all, and nothing can take me down."

Between the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and F1's second recent trip to Nevada, Hamilton created a media storm of his own, when comments he made to Mercedes via team radio after the chequered flag at Interlagos prompted speculation he could prematurely leave the Grove-based squad.

The 105-time grand prix winner later admitted that in the moment, he wished his Mercedes tenure could come to a swift end.

However, Hamilton maintains he is "still fighting" for a team he continues to hold a deep affection for. 

“I’m still here, still fighting and I’m going to continue to push. I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love, and even though I am leaving, I want to make sure I give them the best I can in these next races," he added.

“If they provide a car that wants to stay on track then hopefully we’ll have a better result.”