Hamilton: "If I had known at the time, I would have been great at the age of 19"

Lewis Hamilton is one of the oldest drivers on the Formula 1 grid, but the British driver is continuing to perform at the top of his game. Hamilton is now working towards his seventh F1 world championship which would equal Michael Schumacher's tally. 

Two of Hamilton's biggest rivals, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, have started their careers younger than what Hamilton did. Verstappen, aged 22, has completed over 100 Grands Prix races, while Hamilton was just starting at that age. Hamilton looks back at when he was that age. 

Formel1.de quotes the six-time world champion: “Of course as a nineteen-year-old, I was very immature. I lacked crucial know-how about how things work and how a team should work. I would have been great if I had known that at the age of nineteen." 

Despite being the oldest contender for the title, Hamilton insists he feels fresh for the fight. 

“I have grown a lot in recent years. That is normal, I think that applies to everyone. My age is not a problem in my eyes. I don't feel old at all. On the contrary, I still feel super fit, healthier than ever," he added. 

"I am not afraid at all and I am happy that these young racers are now popping up."