F1: Lewis Hamilton’s form ‘sweet spot’ is down to teamwork, health and lifestyle

Lewis in ‘sweet spot’ of form

Five-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is enjoying a “sweet spot” of form and the Mercedes driver hopes it continues.

The Briton currently leads the drivers’ standings by 29 points after five victories and two second-place finishes in the opening seven races - his best ever start to a season.

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Sky Sports reports that Hamilton has not finished outside of the top-two since last November’s Brazilian Grand Prix and has won 13 of the past 18 races.

When asked about his form, the 34-year-old said: “Last year I hit that sweet point at some point during the season and started being really, really consistent and that just happens to have not really left.

“The races have been really strong, the same as last year, and I’ve not really dropped the ball in that sense, I’ve not dropped off. Last year qualifying at the end of the year was very strong.

“It’s all to do with lifestyle, health, and all these kind of things. They are having a real impact on me.

“And, also, we’re doing a great job as a team. Whether or not we’re quickest on the weekend I’ve still got to do the job and deliver. I’m hoping that the rest of the year continues.”

Hamilton and Mercedes will aim to continue their dominance at the French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard on Sunday 23 June (2.10pm BST).

Haas: no team talks until after summer

Haas boss Guenther Steiner says there won’t be any talk regarding the team’s 2020 driver line-up until after the summer break.

In 2019 the American team has struggled and Steiner said recently that “it cannot get worse” for them. However, GP Today reports that the Haas team principal has “no issue” with current drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.

“As we did last year, I said to Gene [Haas] ‘I don’t want to speak about drivers before the summer break’,” said Steiner. “I want what he said - to get the missed opportunities right.

“That’s more important than starting to think about drivers because I can’t blame the drivers for what happened this year up to now.

“At the moment, we’re motivating them to do the best they can and then we can think about the drivers during the summer break.”

Kubica’s Williams future in doubt?

Robert Kubica’s main sponsor has hinted that it could be looking for a seat in another team for the Polish driver in 2020, GP Fans reports.

Currently driving for struggling Williams, Kubica has had a tough start to the season and is yet to out-qualify or beat team-mate George Russell in any of the seven races in 2019.

When asked about Kubica’s future, Daniel Obajtek, president of petrochemical company Orlen, said: “This is a job for Robert and Orlen. Everything is on the table. We also have such possibilities. We often talk about this topic.

“A lot here depends on the direction Robert will take. After all, he has a good sense of the sport.”

F1 news headlines

What the media is writing about in the world of Formula 1:

• Verstappen: Formula 1 needs a clear ruler (Planet F1)
• Renault targeting Canada form repeat for home race (Formula1.com)
• Bottas: ‘Wake-up call’ in title fight (Sky Sports)
• Leclerc staying clear of ‘political games’ (Planet F1)