Why Lewis Hamilton doesn't have a girlfriend or children as F1 icon turns 41

Hamilton, during his younger years, became a celebrity - and rubbed shoulders with many of them, too.

He was previously in a relationship with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, with the pair dating for nearly eight years before calling it quits for good in February 2015.

There have only been rumours over his dating life in the time since. Speculation has linked with him with the likes of Shakira and Rihanna over the years, but nothing was ever confirmed.

As Hamilton hits 41, the F1 star doesn't have a girlfriend. He doesn't have any children, too.

Speaking back in June, the Briton explained his choice. He said that while many other Formula One drivers have opted to start families, he's preferred to keep his focus solely on the sport that has given him so much.

“Yes, it’s very complicated, especially in today’s world," he said when asked if it was difficult to have a private life away from the grid.

“I see other drivers and I wonder how they manage it. Some have children, are married, have girlfriends.

“I went through that when I was in my twenties. I’ve made a different choice: I’ve decided to maximise the time I have here because it’s shorter than you think.

“I don’t want to have any regrets, or think that I could have given more.”

Elaborating further, Hamilton said: “Over the last ten years, I’ve concentrated on my performance. And when I retire, I’ll be able to do what I want.

“I’ll be able to devote myself to other things without constraints.

“As long as I’m competing, I’m concentrating on my health, my well-being, my mental health and my driving technique.

“I want to be the best engineer I can be and the best team-mate too. That’s my main objective: I want to win.”

Last February, Hamilton explained how winning was his big goal in life.

"I'm hungry, driven, don't have a wife and kids. I'm focused on one thing, and that's winning. That's my number one priority," he told Time.

Hamilton is currently enjoying some time off away from F1.

His debut season with Ferrari failed to live up to expectations, with the veteran ultimately finishing sixth in the standings.

With Hamilton well off the pace, Lando Norris secured glory - with the 26-year-old narrowly beating Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to secure the first crown of his career.

There has been talk of Hamilton potentially retiring from the sport given his issues last time out.

However, he's determined to keep on racing as he seeks an eighth title that would move him ahead of Michael Schumacher in the history books.