February 24, (THEWILL) – As Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team driver, Sir Lewis Hamilton, prepares for his 16th season in F1 – and the chances of winning a record eighth drivers’ title in 2022 – the Brit has described his winter vacation as the best he has ever had in his career.
Hamilton spoke on the first day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain, where he spent the morning observing new teammate George Russell come to grips with Mercedes’ new W13 machine.
When asked how he was feeling before getting into the car for the afternoon session, Hamilton answered: “I feel the freshest that I ever have.
“Of course, there are so many different ways you can refocus and get re-centred, and I would say this [break] was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.”
The knighted sportsman, who spent much of the off-season away from social media, said of spending the winter with his family: “It was definitely more about being present and in the moment, and creating memories.
“I know sometimes in life, we get so focussed and stuck into certain things like work that we forget to do those things. So it was a great time, just refreshing with the family. It was the best period of time I’ve actually ever had with my family.”
His attention will now move to also getting to know the Mercedes W13, which was designed in accordance with Formula One’s sweeping new technical regulations. As he prepared for his first session of serious pre-season running in the vehicle, his eagerness was palpable.
“This morning, arriving and looking down the pit lane and seeing all the different cars, I think it’s one of the most exciting and interesting seasons that I’ve ever embarked upon,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see where everyone comes out and where we stand in the first race.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
