Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.086 seconds.

The defending five-time champion and series leader clocked an unprecedented lap in 1min 10.166sec to end Bottas' run of three successive poles as Mercedes, mourning the death this week of non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, produced a record-equalling 62nd front-row lockout.

It was an emotional Hamilton's second pole in Monaco and the 84th of his career as he dug deep in the final seconds to find the speed required to grab the prime grid position from his team-mate.

"Whoooah!" shouted Hamilton on team radio. "That's what I am talking about…."

Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull and Kevin Magnussen for Haas.

Last year's race winner Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Daniel Kvyat of Toro Rosso, Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Alex Albon in the second Toro Rosso.

"This is the race that every driver dreams of, even as a kid," said Hamilton.

"We've arrived with a great car, a great battle with Valtteri and I think the desire and the will to get this pole. I've had to dig deeper than ever before.

"We all take our cars, fast or slow, to the limit and here, at the limit, it's like wrestling a bull. I had an oversteer moment in the Rascasse and I just held on."

Bottas said: "I'm disappointed. I felt after the first lap there were plenty of places to improve, but I had traffic and couldn't get the tyres up to temperature."

Luckless local hero Charles Leclerc qualified 16th after a strategic muddle by Ferrari in the opening part of qualifying.

After Vettel’s crash in the morning’s final free practice session, Q1 began cautiously in the warmest conditions of the weekend, the track registering 44 degrees Celsius under a hazy sun.

Mercedes, as they feared, found the conditions testing and required longer to bring their tyres alive, but were soon first and third with Bottas and Hamilton sandwiching Verstappen.

Vettel then bounced his left rear wheel off the barriers in the swimming pool complex, requiring a rapid pit-stop.

He emerged with seconds remaining on shiny new 'softs' as Hamilton topped Bottas, but faced a desperate rush to re-climb from 17th – and exceeded expectations by going fastest in a frantic finale.&nbsp;

Leclerc was left standing in the Ferrari garage as he tumbled down the timesheets to finish 16th, the team not keeping him out after he missed a signal to the weighbridge.

He was pushed back to the scales, to avoid any penalty, but it was another example of Ferrari’s operational and decision-making failings.

"I need explanations," said Leclerc. "The problem was not the weighbridge and I have had no real answers. It is very difficult to take as we had plenty of time and enough fuel… Now, I must take risks in the race."

Out with an upset Leclerc, who was fastest in the morning, went Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, George Russell and Robert Kubica.

Q2 then began with a blistering record lap from Bottas in 1:10.701. Hamilton was one-tenth down for second with Verstappen third ahead of Kvyat.

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An incredible end to qualifying as <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> pips team mate Valtteri Bottas to pole in Monte Carlo<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MonacoGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MonacoGP</a> 🇲🇨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/uzhGYvlvft">pic.twitter.com/uzhGYvlvft</a>
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With four minutes remaining, all 15 returned for a final flurry in which Verstappen topped Bottas in 1:10.618 – a record that suggested he might repeat Red Bull’s success, with Ricciardo, last year.

Out went Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, Romain Grosjean, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi, all bickering about the traffic and blocking before the top ten shootout.

On his first run, Bottas laid down a marker in a record 1:10.252 to lead the way ahead of Verstappen as Hamilton struggled for a clean lap, but all that changed on his final run.

Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.

Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.086 seconds. The defending five-time champion and series leader clocked an unprecedented lap in 1min 10.166sec to end Bottas' run of three successive poles as Mercedes, mourning the death this week of non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, produced a record-equalling 62nd front-row lockout. It was an emotional Hamilton's second pole in Monaco and the 84th of his career as he dug deep in the final seconds to find the speed required to grab the prime grid position from his team-mate. "Whoooah!" shouted Hamilton on team radio. "That's what I am talking about…." Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull and Kevin Magnussen for Haas. Last year's race winner Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Daniel Kvyat of Toro Rosso, Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Alex Albon in the second Toro Rosso. "This is the race that every driver dreams of, even as a kid," said Hamilton. "We've arrived with a great car, a great battle with Valtteri and I think the desire and the will to get this pole. I've had to dig deeper than ever before. "We all take our cars, fast or slow, to the limit and here, at the limit, it's like wrestling a bull. I had an oversteer moment in the Rascasse and I just held on." Bottas said: "I'm disappointed. I felt after the first lap there were plenty of places to improve, but I had traffic and couldn't get the tyres up to temperature." Luckless local hero Charles Leclerc qualified 16th after a strategic muddle by Ferrari in the opening part of qualifying. After Vettel’s crash in the morning’s final free practice session, Q1 began cautiously in the warmest conditions of the weekend, the track registering 44 degrees Celsius under a hazy sun. Mercedes, as they feared, found the conditions testing and required longer to bring their tyres alive, but were soon first and third with Bottas and Hamilton sandwiching Verstappen. Vettel then bounced his left rear wheel off the barriers in the swimming pool complex, requiring a rapid pit-stop. He emerged with seconds remaining on shiny new 'softs' as Hamilton topped Bottas, but faced a desperate rush to re-climb from 17th – and exceeded expectations by going fastest in a frantic finale. Leclerc was left standing in the Ferrari garage as he tumbled down the timesheets to finish 16th, the team not keeping him out after he missed a signal to the weighbridge. He was pushed back to the scales, to avoid any penalty, but it was another example of Ferrari’s operational and decision-making failings. "I need explanations," said Leclerc. "The problem was not the weighbridge and I have had no real answers. It is very difficult to take as we had plenty of time and enough fuel… Now, I must take risks in the race." Out with an upset Leclerc, who was fastest in the morning, went Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, George Russell and Robert Kubica. Q2 then began with a blistering record lap from Bottas in 1:10.701. Hamilton was one-tenth down for second with Verstappen third ahead of Kvyat. 👀 An incredible end to qualifying as @LewisHamilton pips team mate Valtteri Bottas to pole in Monte Carlo#MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #F1 pic.twitter.com/uzhGYvlvft — Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2019 × With four minutes remaining, all 15 returned for a final flurry in which Verstappen topped Bottas in 1:10.618 – a record that suggested he might repeat Red Bull’s success, with Ricciardo, last year. Out went Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, Romain Grosjean, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi, all bickering about the traffic and blocking before the top ten shootout. On his first run, Bottas laid down a marker in a record 1:10.252 to lead the way ahead of Verstappen as Hamilton struggled for a clean lap, but all that changed on his final run.

Lewis Hamilton snatches dramatic Monaco GP pole with record lap

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya.

It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. &nbsp;

Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas.

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A first <a href="https://twitter.com/DHL_Motorsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHL_Motorsports</a> Fastest Lap Award of the season for <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> ⏱️ 
 
And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> 🇪🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ojtyIRoIBL">pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL</a>
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It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race.

Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105

"I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that!

"It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.”

Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish. The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya. It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas. A first @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Lap Award of the season for @LewisHamilton ⏱️ And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆#F1 #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL — Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2019 × It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race. Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105 "I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that! "It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.” Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”

Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish Grand Prix, takes championship lead

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout.

The pole was a third in a row for the re-energised Finn, who leads Hamilton by a single point after four of the 21 races, and he did it in a track record time of one minute 15.406 seconds.

That was a hefty 0.634 quicker than Hamilton's best effort, dashing the five-times world champion's hopes of record-extending 85th career pole.

Sebastian Vettel qualified in third place, in 1:16.272, with Red Bull's 2016 Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen fourth and sandwiched between the Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc fifth.

"I really enjoyed that, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush we get from those laps, I'm very pleased," said the Finn, who will be chasing his third win of the season on Sunday.

Hamilton said his laps in the final phase of qualifying could have been better, with a scrappy first effort kicking up gravel, but the upgrades brought by Mercedes to the start of the traditional European part of the campaign were working well.

The Briton, winner for the past two seasons in Barcelona and three times in all, said Bottas had simply been quicker on the day.

Mercedes have won the first four races one-two, a record start for any team, despite Ferrari setting the pace in pre-season testing.

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout.

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout. The pole was a third in a row for the re-energised Finn, who leads Hamilton by a single point after four of the 21 races, and he did it in a track record time of one minute 15.406 seconds. That was a hefty 0.634 quicker than Hamilton's best effort, dashing the five-times world champion's hopes of record-extending 85th career pole. Sebastian Vettel qualified in third place, in 1:16.272, with Red Bull's 2016 Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen fourth and sandwiched between the Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc fifth. "I really enjoyed that, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush we get from those laps, I'm very pleased," said the Finn, who will be chasing his third win of the season on Sunday. Hamilton said his laps in the final phase of qualifying could have been better, with a scrappy first effort kicking up gravel, but the upgrades brought by Mercedes to the start of the traditional European part of the campaign were working well. The Briton, winner for the past two seasons in Barcelona and three times in all, said Bottas had simply been quicker on the day. Mercedes have won the first four races one-two, a record start for any team, despite Ferrari setting the pace in pre-season testing.

Valtteri Bottas on pole in Spain for third race in a row

Met Gala, the invitation-only event, famed for its A-list celebrities and haute couture gowns, is a benefit for New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and also marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit.

Met Gala, the invitation-only event, famed for its A-list celebrities and haute couture gowns, is a benefit for New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and also marks the opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit. Camp, a theme that embraces humour, exaggeration and liberal interpretation, was inspired by writer Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on 'Camp.'' Trends on the pink carpet included gold lame and sequins, feathers, neon, and oversized sleeves, skirts and trains. Tennis star Serena Williams stayed true to her style, pairing Nike sneakers with a custom neon yellow dress from Italian fashion brand Versace. Later in the evening, Williams ditched the dress, to reveal pink hotpants and high heeled boots. View this post on Instagram #SerenaWilliams al #MET2019 spicca con l'abito #giallo #Versace corredato di #farfalle . Ma il vero dettaglio #cool sono le sneakers #fluo #Nike x #OffWhite . Su #LOOKDAVIP #TgCom24 (link in bio) trovi tutti i #dettagli strani del #MetGala | @serenawilliams @offwhitexnike @versace A post shared by Look da Vip (@lookdavip) on May 7, 2019 at 4:15am PDT × Lewis Hamilton also attended the Met ball. The British Formula One racer caught the eye in a black suit flaunting a silver zig-zag design and matching trousers. The ace racer wore bracelets, as well as rings, a nose stud and earrings. View this post on Instagram Arrival NYC at the Met Gala. What do you think of my look? I had so much fun co-designing this with Tommy 🙌🏾#metgala A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on May 6, 2019 at 6:41pm PDT × NFL star quarterback Tom Brady also attended the Met Gala. View this post on Instagram No we are not your Mom and Dad. #MetGala A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on May 6, 2019 at 8:19pm PDT × Lady Gaga opened this year's Met Gala as she was one of the first people to grace the pink carpet.

Sports stars Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton attend the Met Gala

Ferrari need to get their act together, and fast, to prevent the Formula One championship becoming even more of a private Mercedes battle than it already looks.

The sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous team flattered to deceive again in Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes celebrated their fourth successive one-two finish.

No season has ever started with such a run.

"We thought it would be a lot closer... but we are delivering on a very, very high percentage," said five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished second to Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas.

"Both Valtteri and I are both delivering on the laps and the team are pumping on all cylinders and they (Ferrari) are not," he added.

"When, if, they start pumping on all cylinders and start delivering, then we'll have much more of a fight."

Ferrari are 74 points adrift of Mercedes in the constructors' standings while Sebastian Vettel, third in the championship, is 35 behind Bottas.

Up until the second phase of Saturday qualifying, it seemed Ferrari were on it. Charles Leclerc led every practice session and seemed destined for his second pole position in four races.

And then, switching from soft to medium tyres, the Monegasque hit the wall and it all went wrong.

Bottas seized pole instead and led Hamilton to the flag in a race short on drama, with Vettel third and Leclerc fifth, taking the fastest lap as a consolation.

That continued a trend: At the Australia season-opener, Ferrari arrived as favourites after lighting up the timing screens in testing. Neither driver ended up on the podium.

In Bahrain, there was more disappointment when Leclerc led from pole before his engine lost power and he finished third, with the fastest lap, and Vettel fifth.

China, where Ferrari had looked sure to use their straight-line speed advantage to telling effect, proved a similar letdown.

SO MATURE

"They (Ferrari) are very good at proving they've got the pace when it doesn't count. That's the problem," commented 1996 world champion Damon Hill on Sky Sports television.

"Mercedes are so mature now, they don't need to show what they can do. They just know where they really stand and how to use the cards in their hand."

Hamilton, with two wins and two-second places but a point behind Bottas because of the Finn's fastest lap in Australia, suggested his performance had been below his best.

"I just struggle here," said the Briton. "This is not our strongest race of the season. This has always been a bit of a difficult race for me.

"If both (their) cars delivered as we delivered, and their drivers delivered as we delivered, I think it would have been a lot closer."

Vettel, despite having won four titles in a row with a dominant Red Bull between 2010-13, said it had all become a bit boring.

"So boring. It's not just four races. It has been four years, more or less," the German told reporters.

"We are pushing as hard as we can. But you need to respect that they are doing phenomenally well and getting their cars most of the time in the right place.

"But I'm confident. I believe in this team and I know we can improve. I think we have a good car. We just haven't managed yet to put it always where it belongs."

Ferrari need to get their act together, and fast, to prevent the Formula One championship becoming even more of a private Mercedes battle than it already looks. The sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous team flattered to deceive again in Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes celebrated their fourth successive one-two finish.

Ferrari need to get their act together, and fast, to prevent the Formula One championship becoming even more of a private Mercedes battle than it already looks. The sport's oldest, most successful and glamorous team flattered to deceive again in Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, while Mercedes celebrated their fourth successive one-two finish. No season has ever started with such a run. "We thought it would be a lot closer... but we are delivering on a very, very high percentage," said five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished second to Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas. "Both Valtteri and I are both delivering on the laps and the team are pumping on all cylinders and they (Ferrari) are not," he added. "When, if, they start pumping on all cylinders and start delivering, then we'll have much more of a fight." Ferrari are 74 points adrift of Mercedes in the constructors' standings while Sebastian Vettel, third in the championship, is 35 behind Bottas. Up until the second phase of Saturday qualifying, it seemed Ferrari were on it. Charles Leclerc led every practice session and seemed destined for his second pole position in four races. And then, switching from soft to medium tyres, the Monegasque hit the wall and it all went wrong. Bottas seized pole instead and led Hamilton to the flag in a race short on drama, with Vettel third and Leclerc fifth, taking the fastest lap as a consolation. That continued a trend: At the Australia season-opener, Ferrari arrived as favourites after lighting up the timing screens in testing. Neither driver ended up on the podium. In Bahrain, there was more disappointment when Leclerc led from pole before his engine lost power and he finished third, with the fastest lap, and Vettel fifth. China, where Ferrari had looked sure to use their straight-line speed advantage to telling effect, proved a similar letdown. SO MATURE "They (Ferrari) are very good at proving they've got the pace when it doesn't count. That's the problem," commented 1996 world champion Damon Hill on Sky Sports television. "Mercedes are so mature now, they don't need to show what they can do. They just know where they really stand and how to use the cards in their hand." Hamilton, with two wins and two-second places but a point behind Bottas because of the Finn's fastest lap in Australia, suggested his performance had been below his best. "I just struggle here," said the Briton. "This is not our strongest race of the season. This has always been a bit of a difficult race for me. "If both (their) cars delivered as we delivered, and their drivers delivered as we delivered, I think it would have been a lot closer." Vettel, despite having won four titles in a row with a dominant Red Bull between 2010-13, said it had all become a bit boring. "So boring. It's not just four races. It has been four years, more or less," the German told reporters. "We are pushing as hard as we can. But you need to respect that they are doing phenomenally well and getting their cars most of the time in the right place. "But I'm confident. I believe in this team and I know we can improve. I think we have a good car. We just haven't managed yet to put it always where it belongs."

Ferrari have to start delivering, says Lewis Hamilton

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel.

The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon.

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth.

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After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 
 
And it was <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScuderiaFerrari</a> who came out on top in Baku ⏱️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzerbaijanGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzerbaijanGP</a> 🇦🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/NvD52nsFgY">pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY</a>
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"I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death.

"I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters."

Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992.

Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings.

The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however.

Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals.

"The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races.

"It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction."

Drain Drama

Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents.

The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris.

"If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse."

Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause.

Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout.

Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car.

Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso.

Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence.

Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren.

Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook.

Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams. The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel. The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth. After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 And it was @ScuderiaFerrari who came out on top in Baku ⏱️#AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY — Formula 1 (@F1) April 26, 2019 × "I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death. "I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters." Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992. Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings. The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however. Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals. "The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races. "It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction." Drain Drama Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents. The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris. "If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse." Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause. Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout. Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car. Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso. Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence. Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren. Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook. Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two in Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice

Gerhard Berger has always rated former teammate Ayrton Senna in a league of his own but he says Lewis Hamilton now ranks alongside the late Brazilian Formula One champion in his estimation.

Speaking ahead of the 25th anniversary of Senna's death at Imola on May 1, Berger told reporters his friend still led as a personality and the legend that surrounds him.

In purely sporting terms, however, the similarities were clear.

"Everybody asks me 'How do you see this driver against Ayrton?' and I always, in all the years, say 'I don’t see anybody near to Ayrton'," explained the Austrian, who partnered Senna at McLaren from 1990-92.

"But Lewis is (now) the first driver I put on the same level as Ayrton."

Berger, who won 10 races for Benetton, McLaren and Ferrari between 1986 and 1997 and now runs the DTM (German Touring Car) series, said statistics were only one way of measuring greatness.

"I go more by feeling and watching, and for me -- and there were great champions like Nelson (Piquet), like Niki (Lauda), like (Alain) Prost, like Michael (Schumacher) – there has always been one above, Ayrton," he said.

"And now Lewis I see in the same league."

Hamilton has five championships, one with McLaren in 2008 and four with Mercedes in the last five seasons. He is leading the championship into this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 34-year-old Briton holds several records, including most pole positions (84), and his 75 wins are second only to seven times champion Schumacher's career haul of 91.

Senna won three championships with McLaren and held the record for poles (65) before Hamilton. The Brazilian won 41 races and would surely have gone on to many more had he not died at the age of 34.

"The comparison? I see still Ayrton winning the game because in the end Ayrton was such a charming guy and a personality. And obviously if someone loses his life and stays with us in the way of a legend, it’s always something special," said Berger.

"But I try to see it from a performance point and from a performance point, Lewis is going from one pole position to the next one and Lewis is going from one race win to the next one. Just like Ayrton did."

Berger said Hamilton was "outstandingly fast", made fewer mistakes than rivals and knew when to be patient.

"It looks like he’s just running the game in such a good way that he’s unbeatable at the moment," said the Austrian. "Yes he’s in the best car and best engine, but he also is the best. By far the best man at the moment."

He said Hamilton had a good chance of breaking Schumacher's records.

"I would like to protect Michael’s success because such a tragedy, it’s so sad to see these things," Berger added, referring to the 2013 ski accident that left the German with severe head injuries.

"But when you put this all out (aside) for a moment, then Lewis Hamilton is a very special driver in all the time I watched and have been in Formula One."

Gerhard Berger has always rated former teammate Ayrton Senna in a league of his own but he says Lewis Hamilton now ranks alongside the late Brazilian Formula One champion in his estimation.

Gerhard Berger has always rated former teammate Ayrton Senna in a league of his own but he says Lewis Hamilton now ranks alongside the late Brazilian Formula One champion in his estimation. Speaking ahead of the 25th anniversary of Senna's death at Imola on May 1, Berger told reporters his friend still led as a personality and the legend that surrounds him. In purely sporting terms, however, the similarities were clear. "Everybody asks me 'How do you see this driver against Ayrton?' and I always, in all the years, say 'I don’t see anybody near to Ayrton'," explained the Austrian, who partnered Senna at McLaren from 1990-92. "But Lewis is (now) the first driver I put on the same level as Ayrton." Berger, who won 10 races for Benetton, McLaren and Ferrari between 1986 and 1997 and now runs the DTM (German Touring Car) series, said statistics were only one way of measuring greatness. "I go more by feeling and watching, and for me -- and there were great champions like Nelson (Piquet), like Niki (Lauda), like (Alain) Prost, like Michael (Schumacher) – there has always been one above, Ayrton," he said. "And now Lewis I see in the same league." Hamilton has five championships, one with McLaren in 2008 and four with Mercedes in the last five seasons. He is leading the championship into this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The 34-year-old Briton holds several records, including most pole positions (84), and his 75 wins are second only to seven times champion Schumacher's career haul of 91. Senna won three championships with McLaren and held the record for poles (65) before Hamilton. The Brazilian won 41 races and would surely have gone on to many more had he not died at the age of 34. "The comparison? I see still Ayrton winning the game because in the end Ayrton was such a charming guy and a personality. And obviously if someone loses his life and stays with us in the way of a legend, it’s always something special," said Berger. "But I try to see it from a performance point and from a performance point, Lewis is going from one pole position to the next one and Lewis is going from one race win to the next one. Just like Ayrton did." Berger said Hamilton was "outstandingly fast", made fewer mistakes than rivals and knew when to be patient. "It looks like he’s just running the game in such a good way that he’s unbeatable at the moment," said the Austrian. "Yes he’s in the best car and best engine, but he also is the best. By far the best man at the moment." He said Hamilton had a good chance of breaking Schumacher's records. "I would like to protect Michael’s success because such a tragedy, it’s so sad to see these things," Berger added, referring to the 2013 ski accident that left the German with severe head injuries. "But when you put this all out (aside) for a moment, then Lewis Hamilton is a very special driver in all the time I watched and have been in Formula One."

Formula One: Gerhard Berger says Lewis Hamilton is now on a par with Ayrton Senna

Hamilton peerless, Vettel favoured: Major takeaways from Chinese Grand Prix

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai.

Hamilton, who started from second on the grid, took the world championship lead after romping home to win the Chinese Grand Prix by more than 6.5 seconds from Bottas, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull was fourth and Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari was fifth.

This was world champion Hamilton's sixth victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and second in a row this season.

"To have a one-two (for Mercedes) is really special in the 1,000th grand prix but the start was where it made the difference and the rest is history," said the Briton.

Hamilton was pipped for pole position by Bottas by just 0.023 seconds in qualifying and had said that he was "struggling with the car".

But the Finn laboured out of the blocks, allowing Hamilton to nip in and grab the lead at the first corner.

"I lost it on the start, honestly, shame about the start, I got some wheel spin on the start line," said Bottas, who also relinquished his hold on the standings after three races.

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Your top three in China! 
 
Seb's first podium sine Abu Dhabi 2018 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> 🇨🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Race1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Race1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rw9E4d5jPD">pic.twitter.com/Rw9E4d5jPD</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1117338322379137024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Talented 21-year-old Leclerc meanwhile pulled off the same trick at the start at the expense of his team-mate Vettel, darting into third.

There was more early drama when Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat tangled with both McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, earning the Russian a drive-through penalty.

On lap 11, four-time world champion Vettel leapfrogged back in front of Monaco's Leclerc into third following radio orders from Ferrari telling the youngster to let him pass.

"We do our job, stay focused," Leclerc -- agonisingly denied victory last time out in Bahrain after his Ferrari lost power late on -- was informed on team radio after he briefly protested.

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HAMILTON: "It wasn't the most straightforward of race weekends... to have a 1-2 together in the 100th race is really special!"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> 🇨🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Race1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Race1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/6AiUQSGmhr">pic.twitter.com/6AiUQSGmhr</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1117335657695850496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Back at the front, the 34-year-old Hamilton began pulling away, establishing a more than five-second gap on Bottas with a third of the race gone.

With five-time world champion Hamilton -- winner in Bahrain two weeks ago -- serene up top, the real battles unfolded behind him.

Vettel, under pressure after a number of unforced errors going back to last season, went wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen after both pitted for fresh tyres.

Vettel, Bottas and then Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon, who missed qualifying after a nasty crash in final practice, all exchanged fastest laps.

On lap 38 of the 56 it was Leclerc and Bottas who had a skirmish in the compelling battle for second.

Leclerc then pitted and was momentarily held up by a comparatively sluggish change of tyres.&nbsp;

Nico Hulkenberg, who qualified eighth for Renault, saw his race come to an early conclusion after the team retired his faltering car.

Norris and Kvyat were also forced out before the end.

The fourth race of the season takes place on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, in a fortnight.

Lewis Hamilton won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai.

Lewis Hamilton won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai. Hamilton, who started from second on the grid, took the world championship lead after romping home to win the Chinese Grand Prix by more than 6.5 seconds from Bottas, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third. Max Verstappen of Red Bull was fourth and Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari was fifth. This was world champion Hamilton's sixth victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and second in a row this season. "To have a one-two (for Mercedes) is really special in the 1,000th grand prix but the start was where it made the difference and the rest is history," said the Briton. Hamilton was pipped for pole position by Bottas by just 0.023 seconds in qualifying and had said that he was "struggling with the car". But the Finn laboured out of the blocks, allowing Hamilton to nip in and grab the lead at the first corner. "I lost it on the start, honestly, shame about the start, I got some wheel spin on the start line," said Bottas, who also relinquished his hold on the standings after three races. Your top three in China! Seb's first podium sine Abu Dhabi 2018 🏆#ChineseGP 🇨🇳 #Race1000 pic.twitter.com/Rw9E4d5jPD — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2019 × Talented 21-year-old Leclerc meanwhile pulled off the same trick at the start at the expense of his team-mate Vettel, darting into third. There was more early drama when Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat tangled with both McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, earning the Russian a drive-through penalty. On lap 11, four-time world champion Vettel leapfrogged back in front of Monaco's Leclerc into third following radio orders from Ferrari telling the youngster to let him pass. "We do our job, stay focused," Leclerc -- agonisingly denied victory last time out in Bahrain after his Ferrari lost power late on -- was informed on team radio after he briefly protested. HAMILTON: "It wasn't the most straightforward of race weekends... to have a 1-2 together in the 100th race is really special!"#ChineseGP 🇨🇳 #Race1000 pic.twitter.com/6AiUQSGmhr — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2019 × Back at the front, the 34-year-old Hamilton began pulling away, establishing a more than five-second gap on Bottas with a third of the race gone. With five-time world champion Hamilton -- winner in Bahrain two weeks ago -- serene up top, the real battles unfolded behind him. Vettel, under pressure after a number of unforced errors going back to last season, went wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen after both pitted for fresh tyres. Vettel, Bottas and then Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon, who missed qualifying after a nasty crash in final practice, all exchanged fastest laps. On lap 38 of the 56 it was Leclerc and Bottas who had a skirmish in the compelling battle for second. Leclerc then pitted and was momentarily held up by a comparatively sluggish change of tyres. Nico Hulkenberg, who qualified eighth for Renault, saw his race come to an early conclusion after the team retired his faltering car. Norris and Kvyat were also forced out before the end. The fourth race of the season takes place on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, in a fortnight.

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One's 1,000th race

Formula One world champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> praised Ferrari's young driver Charles Leclerc, who made his first F1 podium finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Briton said that the young racing sensation deserved to win and hoped for great battles in future.&nbsp;

Hamilton said, "He thoroughly deserved the win today. He did an exceptional job all weekend, so really proud of him and I know it's a really tough experience to go through what he's going through, but he will learn. He's already so strong this weekend. He'll bounce back. He'll grow."

"This will be another layer to his young greatness already and I'm looking forward to many battles with him hopefully in the future," Hamilton added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Leclerc emerged as a star when he took his first Formula One pole position with a stunning display in qualifying for the Bahrain GP on Saturday.&nbsp;

But in a dramatic twist, race leader Leclerc's engine started losing power with under 10 laps left and he faced a disappointment for a maiden F1 win.&nbsp;

Leclerc, who joined Ferrari ahead of this season, faced the undesired misfortune when a single cylinder of his car failed.&nbsp;

With the win, Ferrari's Leclerc would have become the third-youngest winner of an F1 race.&nbsp;

Although, he&nbsp;became the 50th driver to lead a race for Ferrari. He also became the sixth youngest driver in F1 history to stand on an F1 podium.&nbsp;

Instead, he was dropped to third as Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas finished first and second respectively.&nbsp;

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"We have been pretty lucky in an unlucky situation" 
 
Some <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MondayMotivation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MondayMotivation</a> from a driver wise beyond his years - even if <a href="https://twitter.com/Charles_Leclerc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@charles_leclerc</a> wasn't sure where he was going, he knew what to say 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/dDn6D9qiyT">pic.twitter.com/dDn6D9qiyT</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1112659748460081153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Leclerc is the second youngest pole sitter of all time. Vettel did it at 21 years and 73 days with Toro Rosso at Monza in 2008.&nbsp;

He will also be the first driver from Monaco to start at the front since the world championship started in 1950.&nbsp;

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton praised Ferrari's young driver Charles Leclerc, who made his first F1 podium finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Briton said that the young racing sensation deserved to win and hoped for great battles in future.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton praised Ferrari's young driver Charles Leclerc, who made his first F1 podium finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Briton said that the young racing sensation deserved to win and hoped for great battles in future. Hamilton said, "He thoroughly deserved the win today. He did an exceptional job all weekend, so really proud of him and I know it's a really tough experience to go through what he's going through, but he will learn. He's already so strong this weekend. He'll bounce back. He'll grow." "This will be another layer to his young greatness already and I'm looking forward to many battles with him hopefully in the future," Hamilton added. Leclerc emerged as a star when he took his first Formula One pole position with a stunning display in qualifying for the Bahrain GP on Saturday. But in a dramatic twist, race leader Leclerc's engine started losing power with under 10 laps left and he faced a disappointment for a maiden F1 win. Leclerc, who joined Ferrari ahead of this season, faced the undesired misfortune when a single cylinder of his car failed. With the win, Ferrari's Leclerc would have become the third-youngest winner of an F1 race. Although, he became the 50th driver to lead a race for Ferrari. He also became the sixth youngest driver in F1 history to stand on an F1 podium. Instead, he was dropped to third as Mercedes pair Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas finished first and second respectively. "We have been pretty lucky in an unlucky situation" Some #MondayMotivation from a driver wise beyond his years - even if @charles_leclerc wasn't sure where he was going, he knew what to say 👏#F1 pic.twitter.com/dDn6D9qiyT — Formula 1 (@F1) April 1, 2019 × Leclerc is the second youngest pole sitter of all time. Vettel did it at 21 years and 73 days with Toro Rosso at Monza in 2008. He will also be the first driver from Monaco to start at the front since the world championship started in 1950.

Lewis Hamilton praises Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and hopes for great future battles

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton took a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes on Sunday after engine trouble in the dying stages denied Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory.

The 21-year-old Monegasque, who had started from pole position and finished third, had been set to become Ferrari’s youngest winner in just his second race for the Italian team when his car started losing power.

Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, both as much as four seconds a lap faster than the stricken Ferrari, reeled him in and breezed past to secure the team's second one-two finish in as many races.

"That was extremely unfortunate for Charles,” said Hamilton as he crossed the line, with the race finishing behind the safety car which was deployed to clear away Daniel Ricciardo’s stranded Renault.

"He drove such a great race. We’ve got work to do to keep these guys off our tails,” added the Briton, who hugged Leclerc after they stepped out of their cars.

Leclerc’s problems capped an already difficult day for Ferrari, who had swept the front row in qualifying, with Sebastian Vettel’s race having already unravelled.

The German, who finished fifth, spun while defending second place from Hamilton and then lost his front wing in a spectacular shower of sparks.

The only consolation for Leclerc, on the podium for the first time in his F1 career, was an extra point for setting the fastest lap of the race.

"It's a very hard one to take,” said the youngster. "It's a shame to only finish third, but it's part of racing and we'll come back stronger."

Hamilton’s win in Bahrain was the 74th of his career but first this season.

The Briton stayed second in the championship but is now just one point shy of overall leader Bottas, who won and scored the extra point for fastest lap in Australia.

Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull ahead of Vettel.

British rookie Lando Norris put in a fine drive for McLaren to finish sixth ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen, Leclerc's predecessor at Ferrari.

Frenchman Pierre Gasly brought his Red Bull home in eighth ahead of Toro Rosso’s Thai driver Alexander Albon and Mexican Sergio Perez, who rounded out the top 10 for Racing Point.

Hamilton is now 17 wins short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91.

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton took a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes on Sunday after engine trouble in the dying stages denied Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory.

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton took a lucky Bahrain Grand Prix win for Mercedes on Sunday after engine trouble in the dying stages denied Charles Leclerc a first Formula One victory. The 21-year-old Monegasque, who had started from pole position and finished third, had been set to become Ferrari’s youngest winner in just his second race for the Italian team when his car started losing power. Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, both as much as four seconds a lap faster than the stricken Ferrari, reeled him in and breezed past to secure the team's second one-two finish in as many races. "That was extremely unfortunate for Charles,” said Hamilton as he crossed the line, with the race finishing behind the safety car which was deployed to clear away Daniel Ricciardo’s stranded Renault. "He drove such a great race. We’ve got work to do to keep these guys off our tails,” added the Briton, who hugged Leclerc after they stepped out of their cars. Leclerc’s problems capped an already difficult day for Ferrari, who had swept the front row in qualifying, with Sebastian Vettel’s race having already unravelled. The German, who finished fifth, spun while defending second place from Hamilton and then lost his front wing in a spectacular shower of sparks. The only consolation for Leclerc, on the podium for the first time in his F1 career, was an extra point for setting the fastest lap of the race. "It's a very hard one to take,” said the youngster. "It's a shame to only finish third, but it's part of racing and we'll come back stronger." Hamilton’s win in Bahrain was the 74th of his career but first this season. The Briton stayed second in the championship but is now just one point shy of overall leader Bottas, who won and scored the extra point for fastest lap in Australia. Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull ahead of Vettel. British rookie Lando Norris put in a fine drive for McLaren to finish sixth ahead of Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen, Leclerc's predecessor at Ferrari. Frenchman Pierre Gasly brought his Red Bull home in eighth ahead of Toro Rosso’s Thai driver Alexander Albon and Mexican Sergio Perez, who rounded out the top 10 for Racing Point. Hamilton is now 17 wins short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 91.

Formula one: Heartbreak for Charles Leclerc as Lewis Hamilton wins in Bahrain

From Flying Finn to charging Bull, here are major takeaways from Australian Grand Prix

A five-year-old Formula One fan, Louis Pope, has no idea that he is ruling the internet with a funny reference to his favourite F1 racer.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daniel-ricciardo-joins-renault-f1-team-on-two-year-deal-156798">Daniel Ricciardo</a>, who transferred from Red Bull to Renault in the off-season, got a strange nickname after the kid referred to him as "Daniel Avocado".&nbsp;

Ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-pole-at-australian-grand-prix-203692">Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix</a> in Melbourne, a reporter asked Louis&nbsp;his&nbsp;favourite F1 driver, on which he replied, "Daniel Avocado".&nbsp;

The video went viral and the fans started the trend of giving funny names to&nbsp;their favourite racer. Like Ferrari driver&nbsp;Sebastian Vettel became Sebastian "Pretzel" and McLaren driver Lando Norris was named as "Mango" Norris.&nbsp;

Even the official F1 Twitter handle mentioned Ricciardo as "Mr Avocado" in their tweets sharing info that Renault's new recruit Ricciardo might be lining up on the grid alongside "Kiwi" Raikkonen.&nbsp;

One of their tweets read, "Daniel Avocado. We just love it. Lining up on the grid with Kiwi Raikkonen...?"&nbsp;

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Yeah him and Sebastian Pretzel😂
— F1Cyberman (@F1Cyberman) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1Cyberman/status/1105394406415319040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ricciardo thanked Louis in person and gave him a new Renault cap adorned with his signature.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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Daniel Avocado 🥑 <a href="https://twitter.com/danielricciardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@danielricciardo</a> loved his new nickname so much he wanted to meet the boy who made it. <a href="https://twitter.com/10NewsFirst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10NewsFirst</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/10SportAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10SportAU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/F1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ausgrandprix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ausgrandprix</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RenaultF1Team?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RenaultF1Team</a> <a href="https://t.co/xx6K12u2sZ">pic.twitter.com/xx6K12u2sZ</a>
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At the Australian Grand Prix, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession.&nbsp;

While the Australian Daniel Ricciardo was a big casualty, finishing 12th in his first outing for new team Renault after moving from Red Bull.&nbsp;

A five-year-old Formula One fan, Louis Pope, has no idea that he is ruling the internet with a funny reference to his favourite F1 racer. The 29-year-old Daniel Ricciardo, who transferred from Red Bull to Renault in the off-season, got a strange nickname after the kid referred to him as "Daniel Avocado".

A five-year-old Formula One fan, Louis Pope, has no idea that he is ruling the internet with a funny reference to his favourite F1 racer. The 29-year-old Daniel Ricciardo, who transferred from Red Bull to Renault in the off-season, got a strange nickname after the kid referred to him as "Daniel Avocado". Ahead of Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, a reporter asked Louis his favourite F1 driver, on which he replied, "Daniel Avocado". The video went viral and the fans started the trend of giving funny names to their favourite racer. Like Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel became Sebastian "Pretzel" and McLaren driver Lando Norris was named as "Mango" Norris. Even the official F1 Twitter handle mentioned Ricciardo as "Mr Avocado" in their tweets sharing info that Renault's new recruit Ricciardo might be lining up on the grid alongside "Kiwi" Raikkonen. One of their tweets read, "Daniel Avocado. We just love it. Lining up on the grid with Kiwi Raikkonen...?" Yeah him and Sebastian Pretzel😂 — F1Cyberman (@F1Cyberman) March 12, 2019 × Ricciardo thanked Louis in person and gave him a new Renault cap adorned with his signature. Watch the video: Daniel Avocado 🥑 @danielricciardo loved his new nickname so much he wanted to meet the boy who made it. @10NewsFirst @10SportAU @F1 @ausgrandprix @RenaultF1Team pic.twitter.com/xx6K12u2sZ — Annie Kearney (@anniemaykearney) March 16, 2019 × Nice to meet you, Mr Avocado 🥑 😂#F1 #AusGP 🇦🇺 @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/HBeEXalqcY — Formula 1 (@F1) March 16, 2019 × At the Australian Grand Prix, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession. While the Australian Daniel Ricciardo was a big casualty, finishing 12th in his first outing for new team Renault after moving from Red Bull.

Watch: Formula One racer Daniel Ricciardo meets a fan who gave him funny nickname, 'Daniel Avocado'

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton blazed to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday to lead Valtteri Bottas to a Mercedes sweep of the front row of the grid.

Hamilton struggled with a brake problem during the frenetic final session at Albert Park but nosed in front of his Finnish teammate with a record lap of one minute 20.486 seconds at the lakeside circuit.

Briton Hamilton matched Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher for the record number of poles at the same race track.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will be third on the grid for Sunday's race, separated from his new teammate Charles Leclerc by fourth-placed Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

"Oh man, I'm shaking it was so close out there," Hamilton said.

"Coming from winter testing, we had no idea where we would be. We were hoping to be where we are ... Valterri did an exceptional job out there, it was very close."

In a blow for Red Bull on their debut with engine maker Honda, Pierre Gasly was eliminated in Q1 and will line up 17th on the grid.

While Red Bull may have smarted over Gasly, it was an even tougher session for Renault, with neither of their cars able to reach Q3.

Their expensive new recruit Daniel Ricciardo, who transferred from Red Bull in the off-season, qualified 12th behind his 11th-placed team mate Nico Hulkenberg.

Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen's debut for Alfa Romeo, the team formerly known as Sauber, went better as he qualified ninth.

Formula One rookie Lando Norris enjoyed a good day out with McLaren to qualify eighth, outshining senior teammate Carlos Sainz who was knocked out in Q1 after being blocked on his last flying lap by Williams driver Robert Kubica.

Toro Rosso's Anglo-Thai debutant Alexander Albon made it through Q1 to secure 13th on the grid.

Kubica's first F1 qualifying in over eight years was blighted by a right rear puncture and he ended up skidding over the grass on his final effort in Q1.

The Pole will line up last on the grid behind his 19th-placed teammate George Russell, the Williams team proving decisively they are well off the pace after their off-season troubles.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton blazed to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday to lead Valtteri Bottas to a Mercedes sweep of the front row of the grid.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton blazed to a record-extending eighth pole and sixth in succession at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday to lead Valtteri Bottas to a Mercedes sweep of the front row of the grid. Hamilton struggled with a brake problem during the frenetic final session at Albert Park but nosed in front of his Finnish teammate with a record lap of one minute 20.486 seconds at the lakeside circuit. Briton Hamilton matched Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher for the record number of poles at the same race track. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will be third on the grid for Sunday's race, separated from his new teammate Charles Leclerc by fourth-placed Max Verstappen of Red Bull. "Oh man, I'm shaking it was so close out there," Hamilton said. "Coming from winter testing, we had no idea where we would be. We were hoping to be where we are ... Valterri did an exceptional job out there, it was very close." In a blow for Red Bull on their debut with engine maker Honda, Pierre Gasly was eliminated in Q1 and will line up 17th on the grid. While Red Bull may have smarted over Gasly, it was an even tougher session for Renault, with neither of their cars able to reach Q3. Their expensive new recruit Daniel Ricciardo, who transferred from Red Bull in the off-season, qualified 12th behind his 11th-placed team mate Nico Hulkenberg. Former world champion Kimi Raikkonen's debut for Alfa Romeo, the team formerly known as Sauber, went better as he qualified ninth. Formula One rookie Lando Norris enjoyed a good day out with McLaren to qualify eighth, outshining senior teammate Carlos Sainz who was knocked out in Q1 after being blocked on his last flying lap by Williams driver Robert Kubica. Toro Rosso's Anglo-Thai debutant Alexander Albon made it through Q1 to secure 13th on the grid. Kubica's first F1 qualifying in over eight years was blighted by a right rear puncture and he ended up skidding over the grass on his final effort in Q1. The Pole will line up last on the grid behind his 19th-placed teammate George Russell, the Williams team proving decisively they are well off the pace after their off-season troubles.

Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Australian Grand Prix

Five-times champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> dominated Friday practice at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, topping the timesheets for Mercedes in both sessions to deliver an ominous warning to his Formula One title rivals.

After pipping Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with a lap of one minute 23.599 seconds in first practice, the Briton shaved almost a second off that time in the second session, his quickest lap timed at 1:22.60.

His Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was 0.048 seconds off the time of Hamilton, who had a yawning 0.800 seconds gap to Max Verstappen in third, with Red Bull's other driver, Pierre Gasly, a further 0.042 seconds behind in fourth.

Vettel was fifth fastest after taking a skid into the grass and complaining of a reliability problem, while new teammate Charles Leclerc posted the ninth fastest time after he too spun into the grass in the dying minutes of the session.

It was a more encouraging session for Kimi Raikkonen and Alfa Romeo, the team formerly known as Sauber. The Finnish former world champion was sixth fastest in the second session, giving them hope of being the best of the midfield racers.

Raikkonen was quicker than both Renaults, with Nico Hulkenberg and home hope Daniel Ricciardo seventh and eighth.

Ricciardo, who switched from Red Bull last season, improved after an underwhelming start, clocking only the 17th fastest lap in the opening session earlier on Friday.

British-born Thai debutant Alexander Albon had a tough day, crashing his Toro Rosso to lose his front wing and causing a brief halt in the first session before spinning off track several times in the second.

Williams appear set for another season of toil as their Polish driver Robert Kubica, returning to Formula One after an absence of more than eight years, was 20th in second practice, one place behind rookie teammate George Russell.

Five-times champion Lewis Hamilton dominated Friday practice at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, topping the timesheets for Mercedes in both sessions to deliver an ominous warning to his Formula One title rivals.

Five-times champion Lewis Hamilton dominated Friday practice at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, topping the timesheets for Mercedes in both sessions to deliver an ominous warning to his Formula One title rivals. After pipping Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with a lap of one minute 23.599 seconds in first practice, the Briton shaved almost a second off that time in the second session, his quickest lap timed at 1:22.60. His Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was 0.048 seconds off the time of Hamilton, who had a yawning 0.800 seconds gap to Max Verstappen in third, with Red Bull's other driver, Pierre Gasly, a further 0.042 seconds behind in fourth. Vettel was fifth fastest after taking a skid into the grass and complaining of a reliability problem, while new teammate Charles Leclerc posted the ninth fastest time after he too spun into the grass in the dying minutes of the session. It was a more encouraging session for Kimi Raikkonen and Alfa Romeo, the team formerly known as Sauber. The Finnish former world champion was sixth fastest in the second session, giving them hope of being the best of the midfield racers. Raikkonen was quicker than both Renaults, with Nico Hulkenberg and home hope Daniel Ricciardo seventh and eighth. Ricciardo, who switched from Red Bull last season, improved after an underwhelming start, clocking only the 17th fastest lap in the opening session earlier on Friday. British-born Thai debutant Alexander Albon had a tough day, crashing his Toro Rosso to lose his front wing and causing a brief halt in the first session before spinning off track several times in the second. Williams appear set for another season of toil as their Polish driver Robert Kubica, returning to Formula One after an absence of more than eight years, was 20th in second practice, one place behind rookie teammate George Russell.

Lewis Hamilton dominates practice as Mercedes lay down marker

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season.

Ferrari, overall runners-up last year, have led the timesheets for the first two days of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and have also done plenty of laps with their new SF90 car.

Sebastian Vettel, the four times champion who is partnered by young Monegasque Charles Leclerc this year, said on Monday his Ferrari had been "close to perfection".

Mercedes, winners of both titles for the past five years, have also been pounding out the mileage without setting any eye-catching times.

"They (Ferrari) have been looking great," Hamilton, who will be chasing his sixth title, told reporters. "For us it's been just digging deep, trying to understand the car, Pretty much the same as the beginning of every year.

"The Ferraris always look strong, particularly in the last few years they look very strong right at the beginning so it's to be expected."

Ferrari won the first two races of last year with a car that seemed quicker than the Mercedes but the champions came back strongly and Hamilton ended the year with 11 wins to Vettel's tally of five.

NO WORRIES

Last year Ferrari -- who won six successive constructors' titles between 1999 and 2004 -- were fastest in testing but it was still Hamilton who put his Mercedes on pole position at the first race in Melbourne with a circuit record time.

"At the moment I don't really hold any worry about anything," said the 34-year-old Briton, who conceded that Ferrari did appear to have produced a better package than last season.

"I just try to focus on our job. I don't know what everyone's doing, there's different fuel loads. I've been in this business a long time so I know how it goes over the first week and into the second.

"It's not a time where we need to be focusing on others. We let everyone else do their thing and really try to focus on digging deep, making sure our processes are better than ever before, analysing the data better than ever before."

Hamilton said the W10 Mercedes felt similar to last year's W09, despite aerodynamic rule changes, and he was in the best shape of his life physically.

"I'm here for round seven with the team," he said. "This is going to be the most challenging year, I think, of our partnership.

"And I still love racing so nothing really changes there."

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season.

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season. Ferrari, overall runners-up last year, have led the timesheets for the first two days of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and have also done plenty of laps with their new SF90 car. Sebastian Vettel, the four times champion who is partnered by young Monegasque Charles Leclerc this year, said on Monday his Ferrari had been "close to perfection". Mercedes, winners of both titles for the past five years, have also been pounding out the mileage without setting any eye-catching times. "They (Ferrari) have been looking great," Hamilton, who will be chasing his sixth title, told reporters. "For us it's been just digging deep, trying to understand the car, Pretty much the same as the beginning of every year. "The Ferraris always look strong, particularly in the last few years they look very strong right at the beginning so it's to be expected." Ferrari won the first two races of last year with a car that seemed quicker than the Mercedes but the champions came back strongly and Hamilton ended the year with 11 wins to Vettel's tally of five. NO WORRIES Last year Ferrari -- who won six successive constructors' titles between 1999 and 2004 -- were fastest in testing but it was still Hamilton who put his Mercedes on pole position at the first race in Melbourne with a circuit record time. "At the moment I don't really hold any worry about anything," said the 34-year-old Briton, who conceded that Ferrari did appear to have produced a better package than last season. "I just try to focus on our job. I don't know what everyone's doing, there's different fuel loads. I've been in this business a long time so I know how it goes over the first week and into the second. "It's not a time where we need to be focusing on others. We let everyone else do their thing and really try to focus on digging deep, making sure our processes are better than ever before, analysing the data better than ever before." Hamilton said the W10 Mercedes felt similar to last year's W09, despite aerodynamic rule changes, and he was in the best shape of his life physically. "I'm here for round seven with the team," he said. "This is going to be the most challenging year, I think, of our partnership. "And I still love racing so nothing really changes there."

Motor racing: Lewis Hamilton shrugs off Ferrari's early testing pace

'A great first date' - Hamilton delights as new Mercedes makes track debut

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched.&nbsp;

"It was a great first date, which was probably one of the best ones that, that we've had in all these years," said Hamilton as Formula One champions Mercedes ran their new car for the first time at Silverstone.&nbsp;

"The excitement I had today was the same as I had when I first got in a Formula One car, which is really weird. I was not expecting that but, I'm happy that I have that," Hamilton added.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Getting comfortable 🔥 The talent and sheer skill put into this unbelievable car never ceases to amaze me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeW10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeW10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> <a href="https://t.co/ke6mMaOlHp">pic.twitter.com/ke6mMaOlHp</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1095683481546444800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Hamilton stated that he felt 2019 could turn out even better than last season and added that his intention is to improve his 2018 championship-winning campaign.&nbsp;

Should he achieve that feat, it would also be six career world titles for Hamilton - one short of Michael Schumacher's record.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old Briton will be partnered at Mercedes by Finland's Valtteri Bottas for a third straight season.&nbsp;

The opening winter test gets underway in Barcelona, Spain on Monday before Hamilton starts his title defence in Melbourne, Australia on March 17.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched.

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched. "It was a great first date, which was probably one of the best ones that, that we've had in all these years," said Hamilton as Formula One champions Mercedes ran their new car for the first time at Silverstone. "The excitement I had today was the same as I had when I first got in a Formula One car, which is really weird. I was not expecting that but, I'm happy that I have that," Hamilton added. Getting comfortable 🔥 The talent and sheer skill put into this unbelievable car never ceases to amaze me. #WelcomeW10 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/ke6mMaOlHp — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 13, 2019 × Hamilton stated that he felt 2019 could turn out even better than last season and added that his intention is to improve his 2018 championship-winning campaign. Should he achieve that feat, it would also be six career world titles for Hamilton - one short of Michael Schumacher's record. The 34-year-old Briton will be partnered at Mercedes by Finland's Valtteri Bottas for a third straight season. The opening winter test gets underway in Barcelona, Spain on Monday before Hamilton starts his title defence in Melbourne, Australia on March 17.

Here is Lewis Hamilton's 'great first date'

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton had described the year 2018 as magical after he won his fifth Formula One world title and led his Mercedes team to its fifth consecutive championship.

Hamilton's near-perfect 2018 is built upon his stupendous victory in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he reeled off the 11th win of a dominant season.&nbsp;

His new mind and strategy make him one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. However, he has deflected all suggestions of being the greatest F1 driver, saying seven-time champion Michael Schumacher remains the man who most deserves that label.

Hamilton has won 51 of the 100 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era becoming the first driver to score more than 400 points in a season with a final tally of 408.&nbsp;

But, despite such records, the Mercedes driver had to face some setbacks, not for his performance on tracks but for the comments he made against India and his own hometown Stevenage.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In November this year, Hamilton raised some serious concerns over Formula One's decision to hold next Grand Prix in Vietnam, a statement which questioned his stand on expanding the sport to other countries.&nbsp;

According to AFP, Hamilton, in an interview to BBC, had said that "he would prefer to see more stops in countries with a genuine racing tradition, rather than expanding to new markets."

In his statement,&nbsp; Hamilton went on to say that India was such a poor place yet F1 had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere.

"I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix. We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience."

The Briton had to face several criticisms on social media for his comment and was forced to clarify it but the damage was already done.&nbsp;

The backlash didn't end there as the next to criticize the F1 driver were the residents of his boyhood hometown Stevenage.

As per Reuters, on December 16, Hamilton on national television at BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, said he grew up in a slum and had been a dream for him and his family "to get out of the slums".

The comment drew condemnation from offended civic authorities and on social media, again forcing the 33-year-old to apologise.&nbsp;

In an Instagram post on December 18, Hamilton admitted that he had made a mistake and said 'he chose the wrong words'.

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton had described the year 2018 as magical after he won his fifth Formula One world title and led his Mercedes team to its fifth consecutive championship.

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton had described the year 2018 as magical after he won his fifth Formula One world title and led his Mercedes team to its fifth consecutive championship. Hamilton's near-perfect 2018 is built upon his stupendous victory in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where he reeled off the 11th win of a dominant season. His new mind and strategy make him one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport. However, he has deflected all suggestions of being the greatest F1 driver, saying seven-time champion Michael Schumacher remains the man who most deserves that label. Hamilton has won 51 of the 100 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era becoming the first driver to score more than 400 points in a season with a final tally of 408. But, despite such records, the Mercedes driver had to face some setbacks, not for his performance on tracks but for the comments he made against India and his own hometown Stevenage. In November this year, Hamilton raised some serious concerns over Formula One's decision to hold next Grand Prix in Vietnam, a statement which questioned his stand on expanding the sport to other countries. According to AFP, Hamilton, in an interview to BBC, had said that "he would prefer to see more stops in countries with a genuine racing tradition, rather than expanding to new markets." In his statement, Hamilton went on to say that India was such a poor place yet F1 had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix. We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience." The Briton had to face several criticisms on social media for his comment and was forced to clarify it but the damage was already done. The backlash didn't end there as the next to criticize the F1 driver were the residents of his boyhood hometown Stevenage. As per Reuters, on December 16, Hamilton on national television at BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, said he grew up in a slum and had been a dream for him and his family "to get out of the slums". The comment drew condemnation from offended civic authorities and on social media, again forcing the 33-year-old to apologise. In an Instagram post on December 18, Hamilton admitted that he had made a mistake and said 'he chose the wrong words'.

Lewis Hamilton: Great driving, poor choice of words sum up Mercedes driver's year

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologised to residents of his boyhood home town Stevenage for suggesting he grew up in a slum.

The Briton, his country's most successful racing driver, said on national television at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards that it had been a dream for him and his family "to get out of the slums".

"Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something," the Mercedes driver, who is now a multi-millionaire with homes in Monaco and the United States, added immediately after.

The comment drew condemnation from offended civic authorities and on social media.

Hamilton, who speaks often about his journey from an underprivileged background to the pinnacle of motor racing, said in an Instagram post on Tuesday that he had made a mistake.

The 33-year-old, only the third driver to win five championships, said he was "super proud" to come from the commuter town some 40km north of London where he was born and raised.

"Nobody is perfect and I definitely make mistakes quite often, particularly when you are up in front of a crowd trying to find the right words to express the long journey you've had in life," he said.

"I chose the wrong words. I didn't mean anything by it and those of you who know me, know that I always mean love."

Hamilton finished second in the awards, behind Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologised to residents of his boyhood home town Stevenage for suggesting he grew up in a slum. The Briton, his country's most successful racing driver, said on national television at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards that it had been a dream for him and his family "to get out of the slums".

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has apologised to residents of his boyhood home town Stevenage for suggesting he grew up in a slum. The Briton, his country's most successful racing driver, said on national television at Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards that it had been a dream for him and his family "to get out of the slums". "Well, not the slums, but to get out of somewhere and do something," the Mercedes driver, who is now a multi-millionaire with homes in Monaco and the United States, added immediately after. The comment drew condemnation from offended civic authorities and on social media. Hamilton, who speaks often about his journey from an underprivileged background to the pinnacle of motor racing, said in an Instagram post on Tuesday that he had made a mistake. The 33-year-old, only the third driver to win five championships, said he was "super proud" to come from the commuter town some 40km north of London where he was born and raised. "Nobody is perfect and I definitely make mistakes quite often, particularly when you are up in front of a crowd trying to find the right words to express the long journey you've had in life," he said. "I chose the wrong words. I didn't mean anything by it and those of you who know me, know that I always mean love." Hamilton finished second in the awards, behind Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas.

Motor racing: Lewis Hamilton says he made a mistake with slum comments

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story.

Yes, the top three -- the 'Silver Arrows' along with Ferrari and Red Bull -- again won all the races, just as they have for the past five years.

And yes, their drivers also filled all but one of the 63 podium places in what was more than ever a two-tier championship.

At the front, however, the fight for supremacy was far closer, with the outcome far from clear and Mercedes having to wait until the fourth race to open their win account.

Ferrari won six, their best effort since 2008 but still some way short of what might have been, and were hit hard by the death mid-season of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne and their own mistakes.

Red Bull ended their Renault partnership with four victories, their biggest haul since 2013 when they were last champions, to set new engine suppliers Honda a high benchmark for 2019.

Hamilton moved onto another level, however.

His success, with 11 wins from 21 races and 11 poles, was all the more impressive given that Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could claim to have the faster car for at least the first half of the season.

Unlike Vettel and Ferrari, Hamilton barely put a wheel wrong as he equalled the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five titles, with only Michael Schumacher ahead on seven.

The highlights included storming from 14th on the grid to victory in Germany, while Vettel skidded off as he led in the wet, and an astonishing pole position lap in Singapore.

The 33-year-old Briton staged an epic recovery from last to second at Silverstone, and ended the year on 73 wins with Schumacher's all-time record of 91 coming into range.

"I've grown, I've understood myself more," Hamilton said when asked what he had learned from a year that left Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas winless, mentally battered and bruised.

"I've just been able to be a better me all year long and that's never going to stop."

Hamilton's continuing reign was echoed elsewhere in motorsport, with Spaniard Marc Marquez collecting his fifth MotoGP crown while Frenchman Sebastien Ogier went one better to end a closely-fought rally championship as a six-times champion.

Hefty Push

Formula One's youth revolution continued, with fresh faces lined up for 2019 as teams gave the driver merry-go-round a hefty push.

Only Mercedes and fifth-placed Haas will be carrying unchanged line-ups into 2019, also a crucial year off the track with commercial rights holders Liberty Media facing tough discussions over the sport's future direction.

Another, very real, shove landed Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who turned 21 and delighted Dutch fans with two race wins in 2018, in hot water after an altercation with Force India's Esteban Ocon.

Sauber's Charles Leclerc was rookie of the year and the exciting young Monegasque will begin a new chapter at Ferrari next year, trading places with 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen -- who won in Texas for his first victory in 113 races.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso called it a day, leaving as one of the greats but with McLaren still agonisingly slow and ushering out racing director Eric Boullier among others.

Alonso will now chase the Indianapolis 500, and Triple Crown glory, after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota at the first attempt in 2018.

The return of the French Grand Prix after a 10-year absence was a popular comeback, the traffic jams around Le Castellet much less so as fans fumed in tailbacks for hours.

New faces coming in for 2019 will include Britain's Formula Two champion George Russell, at Williams, and teenage compatriot Lando Norris at McLaren.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo will also have a new team after leaving Red Bull for Renault -- now the sport's fourth-ranked team.

Force India who had previously been best-of-the-rest, went into administration and emerged under the new ownership of a Canadian consortium led by Lance Stroll's billionaire father Lawrence.

In the year's least surprising move, Stroll junior moved from Williams -- the former champions now 10th and last -- to his father's team for 2019.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story. Yes, the top three -- the 'Silver Arrows' along with Ferrari and Red Bull -- again won all the races, just as they have for the past five years. And yes, their drivers also filled all but one of the 63 podium places in what was more than ever a two-tier championship. At the front, however, the fight for supremacy was far closer, with the outcome far from clear and Mercedes having to wait until the fourth race to open their win account. Ferrari won six, their best effort since 2008 but still some way short of what might have been, and were hit hard by the death mid-season of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne and their own mistakes. Red Bull ended their Renault partnership with four victories, their biggest haul since 2013 when they were last champions, to set new engine suppliers Honda a high benchmark for 2019. Hamilton moved onto another level, however. His success, with 11 wins from 21 races and 11 poles, was all the more impressive given that Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could claim to have the faster car for at least the first half of the season. Unlike Vettel and Ferrari, Hamilton barely put a wheel wrong as he equalled the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five titles, with only Michael Schumacher ahead on seven. The highlights included storming from 14th on the grid to victory in Germany, while Vettel skidded off as he led in the wet, and an astonishing pole position lap in Singapore. The 33-year-old Briton staged an epic recovery from last to second at Silverstone, and ended the year on 73 wins with Schumacher's all-time record of 91 coming into range. "I've grown, I've understood myself more," Hamilton said when asked what he had learned from a year that left Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas winless, mentally battered and bruised. "I've just been able to be a better me all year long and that's never going to stop." Hamilton's continuing reign was echoed elsewhere in motorsport, with Spaniard Marc Marquez collecting his fifth MotoGP crown while Frenchman Sebastien Ogier went one better to end a closely-fought rally championship as a six-times champion. Hefty Push Formula One's youth revolution continued, with fresh faces lined up for 2019 as teams gave the driver merry-go-round a hefty push. Only Mercedes and fifth-placed Haas will be carrying unchanged line-ups into 2019, also a crucial year off the track with commercial rights holders Liberty Media facing tough discussions over the sport's future direction. Another, very real, shove landed Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who turned 21 and delighted Dutch fans with two race wins in 2018, in hot water after an altercation with Force India's Esteban Ocon. Sauber's Charles Leclerc was rookie of the year and the exciting young Monegasque will begin a new chapter at Ferrari next year, trading places with 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen -- who won in Texas for his first victory in 113 races. Double world champion Fernando Alonso called it a day, leaving as one of the greats but with McLaren still agonisingly slow and ushering out racing director Eric Boullier among others. Alonso will now chase the Indianapolis 500, and Triple Crown glory, after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota at the first attempt in 2018. The return of the French Grand Prix after a 10-year absence was a popular comeback, the traffic jams around Le Castellet much less so as fans fumed in tailbacks for hours. New faces coming in for 2019 will include Britain's Formula Two champion George Russell, at Williams, and teenage compatriot Lando Norris at McLaren. Australian Daniel Ricciardo will also have a new team after leaving Red Bull for Renault -- now the sport's fourth-ranked team. Force India who had previously been best-of-the-rest, went into administration and emerged under the new ownership of a Canadian consortium led by Lance Stroll's billionaire father Lawrence. In the year's least surprising move, Stroll junior moved from Williams -- the former champions now 10th and last -- to his father's team for 2019.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes shift from fourth to fifth

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton signed off in style on the Formula One season on Sunday with victory in Abu Dhabi, his 11th win of the campaign, and a points record.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel finished second with Red Bull's Max Verstappen third.

"I am so happy right now," said Hamilton after Hollywood actor Will Smith brought down the chequered flag at the floodlit Yas Marina circuit on Hamilton's 73rd career win.

The Briton, who has won 51 of the 100 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era, became the first driver to score more than 400 points in a season with a final tally of 408.

His victory also left him 18 wins away from Michael Schumacher's all-time record.

Two times world champion Fernando Alonso, in his farewell race with McLaren, had hoped to sign off in the points but finished 11th.

With both championships already won, Hamilton taking his in Mexico with two races to spare and Mercedes sealing their fifth successive constructors' and drivers' double in Brazil, Sunday's focus was on the race and those moving on - particularly Alonso.

Hamilton, Vettel and the Spaniard - three great champions - spun their cars in a cloud of smoke at the end of their slowing down lap, before stepping out for hugs and words of mutual respect.

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton signed off in style on the Formula One season on Sunday with victory in Abu Dhabi, his 11th win of the campaign, and a points record.

Five times world champion Lewis Hamilton signed off in style on the Formula One season on Sunday with victory in Abu Dhabi, his 11th win of the campaign, and a points record. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel finished second with Red Bull's Max Verstappen third. "I am so happy right now," said Hamilton after Hollywood actor Will Smith brought down the chequered flag at the floodlit Yas Marina circuit on Hamilton's 73rd career win. The Briton, who has won 51 of the 100 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era, became the first driver to score more than 400 points in a season with a final tally of 408. His victory also left him 18 wins away from Michael Schumacher's all-time record. Two times world champion Fernando Alonso, in his farewell race with McLaren, had hoped to sign off in the points but finished 11th. With both championships already won, Hamilton taking his in Mexico with two races to spare and Mercedes sealing their fifth successive constructors' and drivers' double in Brazil, Sunday's focus was on the race and those moving on - particularly Alonso. Hamilton, Vettel and the Spaniard - three great champions - spun their cars in a cloud of smoke at the end of their slowing down lap, before stepping out for hugs and words of mutual respect.

Lewis Hamilton ends season with a win in Abu Dhabi

Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest for Mercedes in the final practice session of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The Briton, who clinched the title in Mexico with two races to spare, lapped the Yas Marina circuit with a best time of one minute 37.176 seconds.

Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion preparing for his last race with Ferrari before joining Sauber, was second fastest and 0.288 slower than Hamilton with four-times champion team mate Sebastian Vettel third.

The Finn was summoned to the stewards, however, after an incident at the pitlane entry where he slowed and then returned to the track.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, with Hamilton's Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas -- last year's race winner from pole position -- only fifth after going fastest on Friday.

Bottas has yet to win this season, while Hamilton will be chasing his 11th of the campaign on Sunday. Mercedes have already won the constructors' title for the fifth year in a row.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, in his last race for Red Bull before joining Renault, was sixth fastest but stopped on track with minutes remaining.

"I think realistically we are looking at fifth and sixth (in qualifying), unless something sensational happens," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner, who felt Ricciardo's problem could just be a sensor issue.

Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly gesticulated angrily at Haas's Romain Grosjean after an on-track clash between the two Frenchmen.

Gasly and Grosjean were also summoned to the stewards.

Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest for Mercedes in the final practice session of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The Briton, who clinched the title in Mexico with two races to spare, lapped the Yas Marina circuit with a best time of one minute 37.

Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fastest for Mercedes in the final practice session of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The Briton, who clinched the title in Mexico with two races to spare, lapped the Yas Marina circuit with a best time of one minute 37.176 seconds. Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion preparing for his last race with Ferrari before joining Sauber, was second fastest and 0.288 slower than Hamilton with four-times champion team mate Sebastian Vettel third. The Finn was summoned to the stewards, however, after an incident at the pitlane entry where he slowed and then returned to the track. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, with Hamilton's Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas -- last year's race winner from pole position -- only fifth after going fastest on Friday. Bottas has yet to win this season, while Hamilton will be chasing his 11th of the campaign on Sunday. Mercedes have already won the constructors' title for the fifth year in a row. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, in his last race for Red Bull before joining Renault, was sixth fastest but stopped on track with minutes remaining. "I think realistically we are looking at fifth and sixth (in qualifying), unless something sensational happens," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner, who felt Ricciardo's problem could just be a sensor issue. Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly gesticulated angrily at Haas's Romain Grosjean after an on-track clash between the two Frenchmen. Gasly and Grosjean were also summoned to the stewards.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in final practice of 2018 season

Lewis Hamilton has welcomed news of Robert Kubica's Formula One comeback next season, not least because it made the five times world champion feel that little bit younger.

Kubica, who will be 34 next month, was announced at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday as a Williams driver for 2019.

The Pole last raced in Formula One in 2010, before he partially severed his right forearm in a near-fatal rally crash in Italy.

"Is Robert older than me?" was Hamilton's first question when asked for his reaction to the news.&nbsp;

"Oh, perfect," continued the 33-year-old Mercedes driver, whose birthday is in January, when that fact was confirmed by reporters.&nbsp;

"I am so happy he's coming back. Fernando (Alonso) is leaving and I was going to be the second oldest driver but now I can remain the third. I can't tell you how happy I am about that."

Alonso, 37, is leaving after Sunday's&nbsp;season-ender at Yas Marina with Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen the oldest man on the grid at 39.

On a more serious note, both Hamilton and Alonso welcomed Kubica's return as great news for the sport and for a man they both rated as one of the best from their previous battles.

"I raced him from karting days so I have known him for a long, long time," said Hamilton. "He was always one of the most talented drivers that I have had the pleasure of racing.&nbsp;

"He's had a really difficult time for the last who knows how many years now and it's just great to see that he`s got the opportunity back and I hope he works hard on his strength and getting his mind back into gear like he was in the past.

"I think it's exciting for the sport to see him back in action."

Two times champion Alonso, Hamilton`s teammate at McLaren in 2007 and a long-term friend of Kubica who had been close to joining Ferrari before his 2011 accident, agreed the Pole was "one of the great talents".

"It remains to be seen what will be the performance of the car, and his own performance because we only saw a couple of tests but if he is 100 percent he will be amazing to watch," added the Spaniard.

Former world champions Williams will end the year in last place after wrestling with a poorly-handling car throughout the 2018 season.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton has welcomed news of Robert Kubica's Formula One comeback next season, not least because it made the five times world champion feel that little bit younger.

Lewis Hamilton has welcomed news of Robert Kubica's Formula One comeback next season, not least because it made the five times world champion feel that little bit younger. Kubica, who will be 34 next month, was announced at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Thursday as a Williams driver for 2019. The Pole last raced in Formula One in 2010, before he partially severed his right forearm in a near-fatal rally crash in Italy. "Is Robert older than me?" was Hamilton's first question when asked for his reaction to the news. "Oh, perfect," continued the 33-year-old Mercedes driver, whose birthday is in January, when that fact was confirmed by reporters. "I am so happy he's coming back. Fernando (Alonso) is leaving and I was going to be the second oldest driver but now I can remain the third. I can't tell you how happy I am about that." Alonso, 37, is leaving after Sunday's season-ender at Yas Marina with Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen the oldest man on the grid at 39. On a more serious note, both Hamilton and Alonso welcomed Kubica's return as great news for the sport and for a man they both rated as one of the best from their previous battles. "I raced him from karting days so I have known him for a long, long time," said Hamilton. "He was always one of the most talented drivers that I have had the pleasure of racing. "He's had a really difficult time for the last who knows how many years now and it's just great to see that he`s got the opportunity back and I hope he works hard on his strength and getting his mind back into gear like he was in the past. "I think it's exciting for the sport to see him back in action." Two times champion Alonso, Hamilton`s teammate at McLaren in 2007 and a long-term friend of Kubica who had been close to joining Ferrari before his 2011 accident, agreed the Pole was "one of the great talents". "It remains to be seen what will be the performance of the car, and his own performance because we only saw a couple of tests but if he is 100 percent he will be amazing to watch," added the Spaniard. Former world champions Williams will end the year in last place after wrestling with a poorly-handling car throughout the 2018 season.

Motor racing: Hamilton and Alonso happy to see old rival Kubica return

Five times Formula One world champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-was-a-poor-place-yet-we-had-this-massive-beautiful-grand-prix-track-made-hamilton-177264">Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments</a> about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States.

"I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC.

"I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix."

The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments.

Opinion:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474">Mr</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/mr-lewis-hamilton-please-grow-up-f-1-needs-india-vietnam-to-survive-177474"> Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive</a>

"My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter.

"They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need.

"When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month.

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Please read 🇮🇳❤️ <a href="https://t.co/UtXRvcP74A">pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1063030144347070464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context".

"He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions.

"He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion."

India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13.

All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull.

The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams.

The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix.

Five times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has clarified comments about how he had felt torn to be racing in 'poor' India during the years when the country hosted a grand prix. The Mercedes driver had said this week, in discussing new venues like Vietnam, that he would like more grands prix in places with 'real racing history' such as Europe and the United States. "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful," he had told the BBC. "I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix." The 33-year-old Briton took to social media on Thursday, saying he had noticed some people had been upset by his comments. Opinion: Mr Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive "My reference was that a grand prix there felt strange to drive past homeless people and then arrive in a huge arena where money was not an issue," explained Hamilton on Instagram and Twitter. "They spent hundreds of millions on that track that is now never used. That money could have been spent on schools or homes for those in need. "When we did have the race, nobody came because it was too expensive most likely or no interest. However I have met some amazing Indian fans," added Hamilton, who won his fifth title in Mexico last month. Please read 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/UtXRvcP74A — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 15, 2018 × Some of those Indian fans had responded to Hamilton's initial comments by pointing out the country's fast-growing economy was now the world's sixth largest. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Hamilton's earlier words and meaning had been "spun out of context". "He spoke with empathy about India and the painful contrast between wealth and poverty that we face while travelling the globe as sporting ambassadors," the Austrian said in a statement issued by the reigning champions. "He did not criticise the nation and his words were those of a thoughtful and considered champion." India, the world's second most populous nation after China, hosted three grands prix at the Buddh International circuit south of the capital New Delhi from 2011-13. All three were won by German driver Sebastian Vettel, then champion with Red Bull. The race was dropped from 2014 due to a number of factors, including a tax dispute and bureaucratic hurdles faced by teams. The little-used circuit has since hosted a number of domestic championship races, and been used by car manufacturers for track days, but is widely seen as an expensive 'white elephant'.

Lewis Hamilton clarifies 'poor' India comments

The lucrative Formula-1 circuit is defined by only one thing: Money, Money and More Money. It is the nature of sport which attracts the finest cars, engineers, drivers and backroom staff including maintenance of tracks worldwide which need billions of investment annually.

This year&nbsp;the new&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-was-a-poor-place-yet-we-had-this-massive-beautiful-grand-prix-track-made-hamilton-177264">owner Liberty Media revealed F-1 revenues</a> had dipped one per cent to £13 million as several sponsors had pulled out.&nbsp;

The failure to sign-up new races and new deals was sighted by Liberty as the reason for the losses. As a result prize money too dropped by 5.9 per cent which was bad news for Ferrari and Hamilton's team Mercedes which could not pick up fat pay cheques.

After the losses were announced, Liberty said it was contemplating a cap on budgets and bonuses as F-1 continues to be a white elephant no one really wants to own. Ferrari threatened to walk out of F-1 if budgetary limits were made official.

The big three - Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull have been winning by ruthlessly outspending rivals leaving teams placed in the middle to pick up the scrap.

F-1 has been living on borrowed time for over a decade. Former F-1 boss Bernie Ecclestone had sold Formula One to the US company Liberty Media for $4.4 billion two years ago. Ecclestone had turned the largely amateur sport into a multi-billion dollar entity during his reign in the forty years he ruled the F-1 landscape.&nbsp;

The one-man show, however, had to end someday, in the end, Bernie had to exit the new board led by Liberty choosing to say goodbye to his favourite child.

It has been Formula One's stated goal to take the sport to new countries in order to build a new base and attract new sponsors.

However, the current champion British driver Lewis Hamilton certainly does not think it is a good idea to expand, he lamented that India being a poor country shouldn't have hosted the race, nor should Vietnam be allowed.

Instead, the champion driver said races in England, &nbsp;Germany, Italy should continue to hold sway as they have a "racing tradition".

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<h5>"It’s incredible how Formula One has grown in India, especially as cricket is such a big sport there. They are still massively into racing, we get a really big crowd of enthusiastic fans. It's a cool place to go; the people are very welcoming and look after us really well. I've enjoyed it every time I have been," Hamilton said in 2011.</h5>
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Hamilton's outlook is quite contrary to what he said in his own website in 2011 when India hosted the F-1 race for the first time when he said India was a "cool place with enthusiastic fans".

Despite F-1 under Liberty Media determined to scout for new countries in a bid to keep the cash registers ticking over, Hamilton's view on India and Vietnam as having no tradition is quite surprising and dangerous for the sport.&nbsp;

Hamilton should be aware that even his pay cheque will suffer if F-1 does not get "new money", a fact which hasn't gone down well with the Big-3. He should also perhaps take a leaf out of FIFA's manual which has expanded the game to every part of the globe including India which is mainly a "one sport" country which loves cricket, which was acknowledged by Hamilton as well when he raced in Delhi.

Old world thinking still reigns in the minds of champions, a real petty!

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The lucrative Formula-1 circuit is defined by only one thing: Money, Money and More Money. It is the nature of sport which attracts the finest cars, engineers, drivers and backroom staff including maintenance of tracks worldwide which need billions of investment annually.

The lucrative Formula-1 circuit is defined by only one thing: Money, Money and More Money. It is the nature of sport which attracts the finest cars, engineers, drivers and backroom staff including maintenance of tracks worldwide which need billions of investment annually. This year the new owner Liberty Media revealed F-1 revenues had dipped one per cent to £13 million as several sponsors had pulled out. The failure to sign-up new races and new deals was sighted by Liberty as the reason for the losses. As a result prize money too dropped by 5.9 per cent which was bad news for Ferrari and Hamilton's team Mercedes which could not pick up fat pay cheques. After the losses were announced, Liberty said it was contemplating a cap on budgets and bonuses as F-1 continues to be a white elephant no one really wants to own. Ferrari threatened to walk out of F-1 if budgetary limits were made official. The big three - Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull have been winning by ruthlessly outspending rivals leaving teams placed in the middle to pick up the scrap. F-1 has been living on borrowed time for over a decade. Former F-1 boss Bernie Ecclestone had sold Formula One to the US company Liberty Media for $4.4 billion two years ago. Ecclestone had turned the largely amateur sport into a multi-billion dollar entity during his reign in the forty years he ruled the F-1 landscape. The one-man show, however, had to end someday, in the end, Bernie had to exit the new board led by Liberty choosing to say goodbye to his favourite child. It has been Formula One's stated goal to take the sport to new countries in order to build a new base and attract new sponsors. However, the current champion British driver Lewis Hamilton certainly does not think it is a good idea to expand, he lamented that India being a poor country shouldn't have hosted the race, nor should Vietnam be allowed. Instead, the champion driver said races in England, Germany, Italy should continue to hold sway as they have a "racing tradition". "It’s incredible how Formula One has grown in India, especially as cricket is such a big sport there. They are still massively into racing, we get a really big crowd of enthusiastic fans. It's a cool place to go; the people are very welcoming and look after us really well. I've enjoyed it every time I have been," Hamilton said in 2011. × Hamilton's outlook is quite contrary to what he said in his own website in 2011 when India hosted the F-1 race for the first time when he said India was a "cool place with enthusiastic fans". Despite F-1 under Liberty Media determined to scout for new countries in a bid to keep the cash registers ticking over, Hamilton's view on India and Vietnam as having no tradition is quite surprising and dangerous for the sport. Hamilton should be aware that even his pay cheque will suffer if F-1 does not get "new money", a fact which hasn't gone down well with the Big-3. He should also perhaps take a leaf out of FIFA's manual which has expanded the game to every part of the globe including India which is mainly a "one sport" country which loves cricket, which was acknowledged by Hamilton as well when he raced in Delhi. Old world thinking still reigns in the minds of champions, a real petty! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mr Lewis Hamilton, please grow up, F-1 needs India and Vietnam to survive

World champion Lewis Hamilton has questioned Formula One's policy of organising races in new countries after this month's announcement of the Vietnam Grand Prix.

Hamilton told the BBC that he would prefer to see more stops in countries with a genuine racing tradition, rather than expanding to new markets.

"On the racing side, I don't know how important it is to go to new countries as such," said Hamilton who sealed his fifth world title last month.

"If you had the Silverstone Grand Prix and a London Grand Prix, it would be pretty cool."

The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, will hold a Formula One street race from 2020 after signing a 10-year deal.

Formula One has steadily expanded beyond its traditional heartlands, adding races in&nbsp;China, India, South Korea, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, with mixed results.

At the same time, historic European races in England, Germany and Italy have come under threat, while France dropped off the circuit for 10 years before returning this season.

"We've got a lot of real racing history in England, Germany, Italy and now in the States it is starting to grow," said Hamilton.

"But you only have one event per year in those places. If it was my business, I'd be trying to do more events in those countries.

He added: "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix."

"We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience."

Formula One has thrived in Singapore, but it didn't last long in India and South Korea. Vietnam also has scant racing tradition.

Hamilton said: "If you have the German Grand Prix and you've got a Grand Prix in Berlin, I think connecting to cities where a lot of people are is probably a good thing, not necessarily going to countries where they don't know so much about Formula One."

World champion Lewis Hamilton has questioned Formula One's policy of organising races in new countries after this month's announcement of the Vietnam Grand Prix.

World champion Lewis Hamilton has questioned Formula One's policy of organising races in new countries after this month's announcement of the Vietnam Grand Prix. Hamilton told the BBC that he would prefer to see more stops in countries with a genuine racing tradition, rather than expanding to new markets. "On the racing side, I don't know how important it is to go to new countries as such," said Hamilton who sealed his fifth world title last month. "If you had the Silverstone Grand Prix and a London Grand Prix, it would be pretty cool." The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, will hold a Formula One street race from 2020 after signing a 10-year deal. Formula One has steadily expanded beyond its traditional heartlands, adding races in China, India, South Korea, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, with mixed results. At the same time, historic European races in England, Germany and Italy have come under threat, while France dropped off the circuit for 10 years before returning this season. "We've got a lot of real racing history in England, Germany, Italy and now in the States it is starting to grow," said Hamilton. "But you only have one event per year in those places. If it was my business, I'd be trying to do more events in those countries. He added: "I've been to Vietnam before and it is beautiful. I've been to India before to a race which was strange because India was such a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made in the middle of nowhere. I felt very conflicted when I went to that grand prix." "We had a grand prix in Turkey and hardly anyone came. Cool track, cool weekend but poor audience." Formula One has thrived in Singapore, but it didn't last long in India and South Korea. Vietnam also has scant racing tradition. Hamilton said: "If you have the German Grand Prix and you've got a Grand Prix in Berlin, I think connecting to cities where a lot of people are is probably a good thing, not necessarily going to countries where they don't know so much about Formula One."

India was a poor place yet we had this massive, beautiful grand prix track made: Hamilton

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve.

Fresh from Brazil, where he won Sunday's race and Mercedes completed a record-equalling fifth consecutive constructors' and drivers' title double, the Briton thanked the massed men and women driving the team's success and set his sights on more.

He and Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas also joined in a red cap salute to absent non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the Austrian three-times world champion who is recovering from a lung transplant in August.

"I do believe this team can do it again," Hamilton told Reuters after being surrounded by staff seeking selfies and autographs, with five title-winning cars lined up outside the Brixworth high performance engine facility.

"I do believe that we have the capability and there's an opportunity there. It just depends how much work we put in from now until the start of the season.

"You've got to imagine the opposition is going to be raising the bar, Red Bull are going to be raising the bar with the change within their team. So we've got to take a step up."

Hamilton has won 10 of 20 grands prix and taken 10 pole positions this season, with one race remaining in Abu Dhabi next week.

Closest rivals Ferrari won six with Red Bull -- switching from Renault to Honda engines in 2019 -- the rest in the toughest title battle Mercedes have fought since the V6 turbo hybrid era started in 2014.

Hamilton has barely put a wheel wrong, unlike Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel whose title challenge again fell apart, but the 33-year-old Briton still saw room for improvement.

"I've not been on top of everything. There's always areas that you can understand and improve on," he said after a team photograph with everyone raising their hands in a high five.

"But ultimately we have a really good foundation so we've just got to keep on building. It's just about being strategic and being really selective and think how you go about the process.

"And as a driver myself individually I've just got to try and find where the weak areas are and see if I can improve it," he added.

Areas to improve

Team boss Toto Wolff told Reuters there had already been a discussion that morning with engineers about 2019.

"We said 'How can we get better next year, where are the areas to improve?'," said the Austrian. "I'd like to take it a step up."

Hamilton had said in Brazil that returning to the factories would be emotional, telling every member of the team they should look in the mirror and say 'I'm a legend'.

He added on Tuesday that meant taking pride in the achievements and celebrating, while avoiding complacency.

"You've got to have that self-belief that you've got the ability and that you're great and you can be great if you work towards it," he said.

"It is what is enabling us to do what we are doing and achieving.

"We have just done something quite legendary, collectively as a team. It's not a bad thing to acknowledge how well we've done. Acknowledge it, absorb it and want to do better."

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve.

Five-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton vowed to raise the bar further next year as he told Mercedes factory staff on Tuesday never to stop believing in what they can achieve. Fresh from Brazil, where he won Sunday's race and Mercedes completed a record-equalling fifth consecutive constructors' and drivers' title double, the Briton thanked the massed men and women driving the team's success and set his sights on more. He and Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas also joined in a red cap salute to absent non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the Austrian three-times world champion who is recovering from a lung transplant in August. "I do believe this team can do it again," Hamilton told Reuters after being surrounded by staff seeking selfies and autographs, with five title-winning cars lined up outside the Brixworth high performance engine facility. "I do believe that we have the capability and there's an opportunity there. It just depends how much work we put in from now until the start of the season. "You've got to imagine the opposition is going to be raising the bar, Red Bull are going to be raising the bar with the change within their team. So we've got to take a step up." Hamilton has won 10 of 20 grands prix and taken 10 pole positions this season, with one race remaining in Abu Dhabi next week. Closest rivals Ferrari won six with Red Bull -- switching from Renault to Honda engines in 2019 -- the rest in the toughest title battle Mercedes have fought since the V6 turbo hybrid era started in 2014. Hamilton has barely put a wheel wrong, unlike Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel whose title challenge again fell apart, but the 33-year-old Briton still saw room for improvement. "I've not been on top of everything. There's always areas that you can understand and improve on," he said after a team photograph with everyone raising their hands in a high five. "But ultimately we have a really good foundation so we've just got to keep on building. It's just about being strategic and being really selective and think how you go about the process. "And as a driver myself individually I've just got to try and find where the weak areas are and see if I can improve it," he added. Areas to improve Team boss Toto Wolff told Reuters there had already been a discussion that morning with engineers about 2019. "We said 'How can we get better next year, where are the areas to improve?'," said the Austrian. "I'd like to take it a step up." Hamilton had said in Brazil that returning to the factories would be emotional, telling every member of the team they should look in the mirror and say 'I'm a legend'. He added on Tuesday that meant taking pride in the achievements and celebrating, while avoiding complacency. "You've got to have that self-belief that you've got the ability and that you're great and you can be great if you work towards it," he said. "It is what is enabling us to do what we are doing and achieving. "We have just done something quite legendary, collectively as a team. It's not a bad thing to acknowledge how well we've done. Acknowledge it, absorb it and want to do better."

High fives at Mercedes as Hamilton sets sights on six

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team.

The 33-year-old Briton took advantage of a collision that cost Max Verstappen the lead in the closing stages to regain the initiative and then hang on with worn tyres as the Red Bull came home second.

Kimi Raikkonen finished third on his 150th start for Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel who came home sixth for Ferrari.

The result ended Ferrari's hopes of stopping Mercedes' title triumph, brought Hamilton his tenth win of the year and 72nd of his career.&nbsp;

It was also the first time he had won a late-season race after winning the drivers' title.

Charles Leclerc finished seventh for Sauber ahead of the two Haas cars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen with Sergio Perez 10th for Force India.

The decisive moment came on lap 44 of the 71 race when Vertstappen clashed with Esteban Ocon's Force India in the Senna S curves as the Frenchman attempted to un-lap himself.&nbsp;

Ocon was penalised by the stewards with a 10-second stop-go penalty.

"I hope I cannot find him now in the paddock," said a livid Verstappen, whose further TV comments were bleeped out.&nbsp;

"I don't know what to say," he added later. "I was taken out by an idiot -– I have no words."

Hamilton said: "It was an honour to drive for them (Mercedes) today. I saw it happen. I wasn't surprised by it. I saw them racing and they weren't racing for the same position."

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team.

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team. The 33-year-old Briton took advantage of a collision that cost Max Verstappen the lead in the closing stages to regain the initiative and then hang on with worn tyres as the Red Bull came home second. Kimi Raikkonen finished third on his 150th start for Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel who came home sixth for Ferrari. The result ended Ferrari's hopes of stopping Mercedes' title triumph, brought Hamilton his tenth win of the year and 72nd of his career. It was also the first time he had won a late-season race after winning the drivers' title. Charles Leclerc finished seventh for Sauber ahead of the two Haas cars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen with Sergio Perez 10th for Force India. The decisive moment came on lap 44 of the 71 race when Vertstappen clashed with Esteban Ocon's Force India in the Senna S curves as the Frenchman attempted to un-lap himself. Ocon was penalised by the stewards with a 10-second stop-go penalty. "I hope I cannot find him now in the paddock," said a livid Verstappen, whose further TV comments were bleeped out. "I don't know what to say," he added later. "I was taken out by an idiot -– I have no words." Hamilton said: "It was an honour to drive for them (Mercedes) today. I saw it happen. I wasn't surprised by it. I saw them racing and they weren't racing for the same position."

Lewis Hamilton wins nail-biting Brazilian GP, Mercedes take constructors

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one.

"I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves.

The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos.

"It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime.

"I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me.

"This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'.

SCHUMACHER RECORDS

Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

"You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television.

"He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming.

"And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver."

Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record.

That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough.

"The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us.

"And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us.

"All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year."

Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern.

"I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said.

"I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep.

"I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever. Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one. "I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves. The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos. "It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime. "I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me. "This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'. SCHUMACHER RECORDS Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. "You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television. "He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming. "And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver." Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record. That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough. "The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us. "And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us. "All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year." Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern. "I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said. "I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep. "I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Team energy will power Mercedes to more titles, says Lewis Hamilton

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship.

Mercedes will seal the constructors&nbsp;title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points.

Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row.

"That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare.

"The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend.

"I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet.

He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the&nbsp;best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole.&nbsp;

Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase.

Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident.

Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap.

With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations.

The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment.

"They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel.

Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine.&nbsp;

Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start.&nbsp;

Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced.

That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out.

Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside. The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship. Mercedes will seal the constructors title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points. Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row. "That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare. "The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend. "I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet. He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole. Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase. Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident. Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap. With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations. The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment. "They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel. Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine. Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced. That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out. Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Motor Racing: Lewis Hamilton on pole in Brazil, Vettel alongside

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