'I wanted to not continue' - Lewis Hamilton reveals his plan to leave F1 during dry patch

After an extended period of 945 days, spanning 31 months and 56 races filled with "many thoughts and doubts," Lewis Hamilton finally registered his 104th win during the British Grand Prix. This victory was particularly sweet for the seven-time world champion, who admitted that he had considered quitting the sport during this challenging phase.

Hamilton's last win before this drought came in 2021, a season marked by a fierce title battle with Max Verstappen and the season concluded dramatically with Verstappen clinching the championship in a controversial finale.

Hamilton's loss in the final race, despite leading for most of it, was a bitter pill to swallow, exacerbated by a late Safety Car and a contentious decision by then-race director Michael Masi. This defeat not only cost him the title but also led to widespread speculation about his potential retirement.

Despite returning to the grid with Mercedes for the following seasons, Hamilton endured a winless streak that lasted over two years. Reflecting on this period, Hamilton candidly shared his internal struggles and the doubts that plagued him.

"After such a difficult 2021, just trying to continue to come back but we as a team had a difficult time," Hamilton told Sky F1. "There were so many thoughts and doubts in my mind along the way to the point at times I wanted to not continue."

“It is the greatest feeling”, says Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton emphasized the significance of his perseverance and the ultimate satisfaction of breaking his winless streak. "To arrive and continue to get up and continue to try and finally succeed is the greatest feeling I can remember having," he remarked.

Also WATCH: Lewis Hamilton gets emotional after winning the British Grand Prix 2024

Lewis Hamilton further said that the support from his team, fans, and close associates played a crucial role in sustaining his motivation. "It’s so tough, I think for anyone, but the important thing is just how you continue to get up and you’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you feel like you’re at the bottom of the barrel," Hamilton explained. He further expressed deep gratitude towards his team and fans, crediting their unwavering support for helping him push through his darkest days.