Lewis Hamilton fitness routine has played a crucial role in his illustrious racing career as he approaches his 41st birthday, opening up in a recent Men’s Health interview about the unique fitness demands of Formula 1 and the ways he maintains his form. The British F1 legend described the regimen that keeps him race-ready and addressed widespread misconceptions about how drivers achieve the physical conditioning needed for the sport.
Hamilton explained that his training does not differ significantly from what most gym-goers experience, despite the elite level at which he competes. He shared,
“Ultimately it’s no different to what people at home would be doing if they go to the gym. I’m still doing similar sort of HIIT workouts and I do similar weights,”
Hamilton explained.
Much of his focus centers on resistance training and building strength in areas that are particularly crucial for F1, such as the neck, given the high g-forces drivers face on track. Hamilton admitted that, like anyone, he faces challenges such as sore muscles and motivation dips. He often has to work around a crowded schedule, making it challenging to maintain a daily workout rhythm.
He also highlighted the importance of balancing training with adequate rest and nutrition, saying,
“I don’t always have the time to do it every single day due to commitments. So recovery and sleep are really, really important. Finding the right mixture between what you eat, the sleep and the actual activities you do is one of the hardest things to get right. That’s something I’m searching for all the time.”
Staying Mentally Resilient Amid Championship Pressure
As the second oldest competitor in the current F1 lineup, just behind Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton faces the dual test of physical and mental endurance as he strives for his record eighth world championship title, following his debut season at Ferrari. The adaptation to a new team and unfamiliar car posed significant challenges for the champion, at times leading to self-doubt during post-race interviews.
To maintain mental sharpness and resilience, Hamilton shared insights into the habits he relies on over the grueling season. For him, exercise, particularly running, continues to serve as a form of therapy, providing space to process thoughts and challenges. He revealed that incorporating yoga, breathwork, and meditation has been instrumental for his wellbeing. He also credited cold exposure practices, such as ice baths, with fostering a mindset that helps him endure discomfort.
Hamilton places significant emphasis on the power of positive thinking.
“Positive affirmations are probably the most important thing of all. When you’re brushing your teeth or starting your day, saying positive affirmations about how your day is going to go, what your goal is, how you’re going to feel, how you’ll approach the job or meet people. When you speak positively about yourself, your body reacts to that.”
– Lewis Hamilton, F1 Champion
The Road Ahead for Hamilton at Ferrari
With a challenging first season at Ferrari behind him, Hamilton continues to pursue performance improvements, knowing the physical and mental requirements will only intensify as he aims for an unprecedented eighth title. His dedication to refining his training, recovery, and mindset techniques indicates his ongoing commitment to excellence, with fans and the Formula 1 world watching to see how his focus on overall wellbeing shapes his performance in the upcoming seasons.
As discussions circulate about whether the 2026 campaign could mark the end of his storied career, Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of balance between rigorous training and mental resilience sets a compelling example for athletes in every discipline.
