Lewis Hamilton fought the sweltering heat in his own way.
“Minus 110 degrees has never felt so good,” wrote the Formula 1 record world champion for a video on Instagram. Shirtless but wearing protective gloves and a headband, he was having fun even as his lashes icy.
Before the French Grand Prix on Sunday (3:00 p.m.), the Mercedes star sought distraction and cool off in a cold chamber. At the race in Le Castellet, the 37-year-old is now joining an elite club: Hamilton is only the sixth driver to contest his 300th Grand Prix.
Twelve races without a win: Hamilton wants to win
But that’s not a reason for a party for the seven-time champion. Such numbers would remind him too much of his age, said the record hunter. It is much more important for the Vice World Champion to make it back to the top. But slaves and sweats – or just freezes – Hamilton even in the old racing driver age. The dry spell of twelve races without a win, which is unusual for him, should finally come to an end. Three third places in the last three WRC rounds show an upward trend that should continue at the twelfth Grand Prix of the year near the Mediterranean Sea.
“I’m delighted with this momentum that we’re picking up, which reflects the tremendous efforts of the team,” said Hamilton boss Toto Wolff. The head of motorsport at the Silver Arrows is convinced that after a disappointing start to the year, it is now possible to understand the car better “with every lap”. “It is encouraging to see that this is reflected in our further development and our results,” said the Austrian. Mercedes continues to cleverly push the role of favorites to Red Bull and Ferrari, but only half of the season is over. With eleven upcoming races, a lot of points will be awarded – and the competition fears that the factory team, which has often been so dominant in previous years, will regain strength.
Hamilton wants eighth title – gap is large
The numbers still speak clearly against Mercedes and Hamilton. The vegan superstar with the big heart in the fight against racism and social injustice is only sixth in the overall standings, with 109 points he is a whopping 99 points behind Max Verstappen (208). Teammate George Russell (128) is also in front of the old master, who has a clear goal: title number eight. He is still level with Michael Schumacher after winning world championships, with another trophy he would leave the icon behind. “Now we have to keep improving to get back to the top,” Hamilton recently demanded in Austria. Wolff agreed: “The aim is to further reduce the gap to the leaders.”
Red Bull and Ferrari are setting the pace this season. Mercedes had a lot of catching up to do, but now seems to be on the mend. Especially when it comes to reliability, the German carmaker seems to have an advantage. That could also be important in Le Castellet, with temperatures above 30 degrees the vehicles and tires are put under enormous strain. Hamilton was able to win on the Côte d’Azur in 2018 and 2019 and finished second last year behind Verstappen, who is again the favorite in the race.
Hamilton is not yet thinking about the end of his career
Hamilton voluntarily does without the first training session on Friday. Nyck de Vries takes over the veteran’s cockpit. In the course of a season, young drivers without much experience have to be used in two training sessions. Hamilton himself chose to vacate his place in France now. Teammate Russell (24) will sit out for a session later in the season.
Given his experience, the break will not be a disadvantage for Hamilton. The 103-time race winner is not thinking about the end of his career anyway, he has a contract until the end of 2023. However, for another record he would have to drive even longer: Nobody sat in the Formula 1 cockpit as often as Kimi Raikkonen. The Finn has made 349 race starts in the motorsport premier class.