Lewis Hamilton has candidly admitted he came close to leaving Formula 1 this season before deciding to sign a new deal with Mercedes.
The 38-year-old is currently on the longest winless run of his career, having not taken the chequered flag since the penultimate race of the 2021 season in Saudi Arabia. And despite finishing third in the drivers' standings this season, the notion remains that Hamilton and his team are battling against the tide after struggling to adapt to the sport's new era of regulations.
Indeed, 341 points separated the British driver and world champion Max Verstappen. Hamilton's struggles led to speculation over his future with the Silver Arrows, eventually signing a two-year deal in August worth around £100million.
But before negotiations were completed, the seven-time world champion had doubts over whether to continue. Speaking to the BBC, he conceded: “Ultimately, when you have difficult seasons like this, there are always going to be moments when you’re like, ‘is it me or is it the car?
"'Do I still have it? Has it gone?' I’m only human. If anyone in the world tells you they don’t have those things, they’re in denial. We’re all human beings."
Hamilton remains locked with Michael Schumacher for the record number of title wins, a factor widely perceived as extra motivation for him to carry on. And he's vowed to continue to strive to get Mercedes competing with frontrunners Red Bull again, despite the current gap in pace.
“Because you’re missing that, you know? When the magic happens, when everything comes together, the car and you, and that spark, it’s extraordinary. And that’s what you’re in the search for.”
Hamilton this month strongly hit-back over Christian Horner's implication that Hamilton's representatives had contacted his team with a view to a possible switch. The former McLaren man was also linked with a move to Ferrari.
I" don't really know where that story has come from. I mean I know it's come from Christian.," said a seemingly irate Hamilton. "I don't really understand what he's been talking about because no one, as far as I'm aware, from my team has spoken to him. I haven't spoken to Christian really in years."
Catch all the action from Formula One on Sky Sports and get exclusive access to races, qualifying and much more for every Grand Prix. From Max Verstappen to Lewis Hamilton, you won't miss a lap on Sky Sports.