I've accomplished more than I ever dreamed. But I'm hungry for more.
— Lewis Hamilton
I don't believe I have a playboy life.
I want to crush everyone. I want to outsmart everyone.
I don't like to read fiction. I like to learn something when I'm reading.
If Ferrari wanted me, they would have approached me. I want to work with people who want me. If they don't want me, it is no problem.
I like wearing things that other people wouldn't want to wear, to be a bit edgy.
It is open for anyone to have freedom of speech, and I guess we can all play a role in trying to make a difference in the world. Particularly if your leader is not helping in that area.
I relate my life a lot to 'Cool Runnings,' the movie.
Racing is what I love, so it's pretty simple. I want to keep doing it and keep winning.
Formula 1 is the sort of place where people tend to have an opinion about everything, and usually, they tend to believe their own opinion is the right one, even if it relates to someone else.
F1 is about the best drivers competing against each other for the best teams producing the best cars they can.
We have to be extremely fit to race in F1.
I really like to play to squash, because it's competitive, and I like basketball. I'm friends with a guy in L.A. called Andrew Bynum, who used to play for the L.A. Lakers NBA team. We play together sometimes.
There have been some ups and downs. I've not always had it my own way. That's the way racing is supposed to be.
I train to quite an intense level because Formula 1 is so physical - the G-forces, the demands on your body. Your heart rate is 150, 160 through the whole race. On qualifying lap, your heart rate can be up to 180, 190, under tough conditions.
I'm happy to race against anyone.
It doesn't matter what famous person I've come across in the street, I don't think I've ever shouted.
I have so much energy. I train, I travel, I'm learning about music and fashion, reading a lot. I don't want to miss anything. I want to experience everything.
I have the best job in the world.
Nothing can really prepare you for when you get in the Formula One car. Knowing that you're driving a multimillion-dollar car, and if you crash it it's going to cost a lot of money, and they might not give you another chance, is scary.
It takes me forever to read a book. I have such a small attention span.
I'm just super competitive. Squash, tennis, water skiing, computer games... Even if I played you at pool, I'd have to win.
Racing is very physical.
It's important for everyone to stand up for what they believe in.
I started playing guitar when I was 13. I'd written a few songs on the guitar over some time. I'd written a book of poetry, and I got a book of lyrics that I had when I was a kid.
If I don't travel, if I stay at home for a week, I would go out of my mind. That is just the way I am. I love to be on the move, and I am fortunate that I have friends all over the world.
I like taking risks. I like trying new things, whether it be style or restaurants or whatever.
People need to remember that I am the first black driver in F1, so I am obviously going to be different to past drivers.
My job is to get into the car and drive as fast and as well as possible.
Generally, I hate training - just like most people, I guess. I try to make it fun and varied.
If I'd won every single race and got pole everywhere, that would just be boring. It would suck. Where's the fun in that?
On my back, I have the cross and angel wings: rise above it, no matter what life throws at you. And also, you know, Jesus rose from the grave.
I feel equal to Mexicans, Asians, everyone. That's the kind of positive message I want to get out.
A couple of my mechanics have become vegan because I've done it. One of my barbers, too.
I'm no less focused than any of my peers. They live a different life. They go home; they are not pictured at events. I train just as much as them, maybe more.
The way I drive, the way I handle a car, is an expression of my inner feelings.
I don't drive by the seat of my pants and happen to win races. I work very hard to interpret the data and drive a certain way. My engineers have confidence in me, and more often than not, when I tell them what I need or what I am feeling with the car, it's right.
Sometimes, I arrive at races more energetic and clear-minded than ever, and then I have a terrible race. And the opposite is also true.
I would love to one day have my own line of clothes.
I genuinely have always had support from all of my team. I have never had any complaints from them.
I had a lot of racism growing up where I grew up. Bullied at school. It definitely encouraged me. It's like battle wounds - you come out the other side, and it just makes you tougher.
Ayrton Senna was my favorite driver who I wanted to be like.
I certainly lead a different life from many people. I have a great life that I am thankful for, and I like travelling.
Equalising performance between teams runs completely counter to the idea of F1 and would be very unfair for us.
I think it's a shame that people are so quick to put you in a box; sometimes it's as if you do one thing, and that's all you're allowed to do.
I'm keen on hiking. And in Monaco, I also like water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet-skiing, which are all pretty good for your arms, legs, and core stability.
Lots of other drivers like cycling, but I'm not so keen. I have some really cool bikes, but I'm just not in love with it like Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso.
Going for a really long run, a bike ride, or cross-country skiing helps me get away from all the noise. I tell myself, 'The pain you're feeling, just enjoy it because it's going to help you across that finish line first.' If you're having a crap day, go for a run. It makes a big difference.
I love my ink. They all have a meaning. I'm very strong in my faith, so I wanted to have some religious images. I've got Pieta, a Michelangelo sculpture of Mary holding Jesus after he came off the cross, on my shoulder. A sacred heart on my arm. Musical notes because I love music. The compass on my chest is there because church is my compass.
I'm definitely conscious of time. I already waste so much of it, just on a flight. I look back to when I was 13, and I wish I had stuck with my piano studies.
