ewis Hamilton believes Valentino Rossi’s “positivity and passion” are key aspects to the Italian’s legendary MotoGP career – but is adamant that racing on two wheels is not for himself.
The pair, who boast seven world championships each in their respective disciplines, famously swapped vehicles in 2019 for a crossover feature that gave the Brit an insight into Rossi’s success.
Hamilton told watchmaker IWC: “It was a privilege to spend time with Vale and you realise the human behind the helmet and all that success.
“He’s just a really normal, decent, fun human being. Always smiling, always positive. His passion for what he does is clear – it’s no wonder, the success he’s had. There’s so much to learn from someone like him.
“It’s easier to come from bikes to cars, it’s much safer in cars. For someone like me to go to two wheels, it’s a huge transition and very very difficult. And I’m for sure too old.”
The new Formula One season is underway with Mercedes not fighting for wins yet and, amid constant speculation over his future, Hamilton insisted he has no interest in leaving the sport for the time being.
The 37-year-old noted: “I don’t have any desire to race in anything else.
“We’ve grown up in the space being at those tracks, the smell, the vibrations, the sound. It’s difficult right now to imagine life without it.
“But at some stage there’s going to be a period of time where I don’t have it and I’m sure I will miss all that cocktail of emotions that derive from all those different elements.”
For his part, motorcycle racing icon Rossi was left with the impression that he and Hamilton are quite alike after their time together.
Rossi said: “I spent time with Lewis, two days in Valencia when we swapped bike and car, and he is the same as me: he has a great passion for motorsport, Formula One, MotoGP and everything.
“And he’s very curious, and always tries to understand how to go faster. For me, that passion is the base.”