Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion currently driving for Ferrari, has expressed a keen interest in trying bobsledding if he ever leaves the racing circuit. As the motor racing season begins with pre-season testing in Bahrain, Hamilton’s focus remains firmly on Formula 1, but his fascination with the Winter Olympics sport has been highlighted by Jamaican bobsleigh pilot Tyquendo Tracey. Tracey believes Hamilton’s skills on the track position him as a natural candidate for becoming an elite bobsleigh pilot.
Expert Opinion on Hamilton’s Bobsledding Talents
Tyquendo Tracey, who is leading the Jamaican bobsleigh team competing in the Winter Olympics held across Milan and Cortina, praised Hamilton’s potential to master the icy sport. Tracey noted that Hamilton’s experience handling high-speed corners at over 200 mph gives him an exceptional eye for maneuvering, which is essential for piloting a bobsled. Speaking to Reuters, Tracey said,
“I think he [Hamilton] would do well. When you see people like Lewis Hamilton going around curves [at] 200-250 miles an hour, he’s going to have the eye for it to be able to manoeuvre a sled … so, personally, I think he would do very well.”
Connection to Caribbean Heritage and Winter Sports Inspiration
Hamilton’s Caribbean roots, through his paternal grandparents from Grenada, add an intriguing layer to his bobsledding ambitions. The F1 driver has openly discussed how the 1993 Disney film Cool Runnings, which tells the story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s pioneering journey during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, inspired his own journey in motorsport. Reflecting on his attraction to bobsledding, Hamilton said,
“If I was to do a Winter Olympic sport, it would be bobsledding. I always wanted to do bobsledding. There’s no Grenadian team, so maybe I would take my best friend Jan and then get a couple of other characters from Grenada and then create a bobsleigh team.”
Current Focus and Challenges with Ferrari
Despite his interest in winter sports, Hamilton remains fully committed to his role at Ferrari during the F1 season. After a challenging debut campaign with the team, he is now working closely with new engineer Carlo Santi, who replaced Riccardo Atami following internal team adjustments. Hamilton has acknowledged the ups and downs of the past year but conveyed a renewed sense of confidence and determination going into the new season.
Hamilton’s Rejuvenated Approach to the 2026 Car and Season
Hamilton shared insights about his mindset, explaining how he has dedicated effort to rebuilding both his physical and mental condition through the offseason. This has coincided with a fresh connection to the new 2026 Ferrari car, on which he has been involved during simulator sessions. Emphasizing his growing bond with the vehicle, Hamilton said,
“Last year we were locked into a car that obviously I inherited – this is a car that I’ve been able to be a part of developing on the simulator for the last 10 months, eight months, so a bit of my DNA is within it so I’m more connected to this one, for sure.”
He further noted,
“I generally feel personally in the best place that I’ve been in a long, long time, with rearranging things within my team. And then the car, we’ve started off quite well so far. It’s an exciting time with this new generation of car as well, because it’s all brand new – we’re all trying to figure it out on the go.”
What the Future Holds for Hamilton
Hamilton’s open talk about bobsledding may signal a desire for new challenges beyond Formula 1, especially as his contract with Ferrari is set to expire next year. While his immediate efforts are for the upcoming F1 season, his admiration for winter sports, coupled with Tracey’s endorsement, creates the possibility of a surprising new chapter in his athletic career. Should he ever transition to bobsledding, Hamilton’s distinct talent could bring significant attention to the sport, potentially inspiring others from his Caribbean heritage to explore winter athletics.
