Lewis Hamilton has shut down Toto Wolff's suggestion that he may be past his best, and cites not marrying or having kids as a reason he can keep winning into his 40s.

Hamilton ditched Mercedes after 11 years and is now gearing up for his first season with rivals Ferrari.

The Brit's former Mercedes team principal, Wolff, wrote in a book published last November: "[Hamilton joining Ferrari] helps us because it avoids the moment where we need to tell the sport’s most iconic driver that we want to stop ... We’re in a sport where cognitive sharpness is extremely important, and I believe everyone has a shelf life."

In an interview with TIME, the seven-time world champion was 'unbothered' by Wolff's comments. He added: "The old man is a state of mind. Of course your body ages. But I’m never going to be an old man."

Hamilton has been in several high-profile relationships, including with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger between 2007 and 2015. But he claims the fact he has never settled down sets him apart from every other driver and allows him to focus in on becoming a winning machine.

"Don’t ever compare me to anybody else," he said. "I’m the first and only black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey.

"You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority."

Hamilton's Ferrari team and Wolff's Mercedes will do battle for the top prizes this season, with inevitable input from fellow title chasers McLaren and Red Bull. Hamilton was unable to drag a record-breaking eighth world title over the line with the Silver Arrows, and he will aim to be the oldest modern-day champion with the Scuderia.

Although interesting words have been exchanged between Hamilton and his former boss, the Stevenage-born racer still wishes the best for his old employers.

"There is no bad blood," he continued. "Absolutely not. We won so many championships [together]. They have all the ingredients to win world championships, and they will win more world championships. I have no doubt."