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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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>
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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

Valtteri Bottas kept up his hopes of ending the year on a high after setting the fastest lap in practice for Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday.

The Mercedes driver, still winless in 2018 while teammate Lewis Hamilton has taken 10 victories and clinched a fifth title with two races to spare, lapped the floodlit Yas Marina circuit with a best time of one minute 37.236 seconds.

Bottas won last year's finale from pole position and also set the fastest lap.

"It's nice to be on top of the timesheets, but we now need to build on that, we need to try and make the right set-up changes and I also need to find more performance from myself," he said.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, fastest in the first session with a lap of 1:38.491, was second fastest in the evening and 0.044 slower than the Finn.

The 21-year-old Dutch driver damaged his car on a kerb, requiring repairs.

"The car seems to be working really well again, better than expected just like we experienced in Brazil," said Verstappen, who was runner-up in that race two weeks ago.

"I would expect this to be another circuit where tyre management is key to a good result, hopefully it plays into our hands again. Both long runs and short runs look good for the tyres so I’m pleased with how it has gone so far."

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, in his last race with Red Bull before leaving for Renault, was second and third respectively in the sessions.

With both titles already won by Mercedes for the fifth year in a row, Sunday's race should be a no-holds-barred battle for victory without team orders or other considerations.

Verstappen, at the centre of attention in Brazil after a collision with Force India back-marker Esteban Ocon that cost him victory and led to a post-race confrontation, can on Saturday become the sport's youngest driver to take pole position.

Hamilton was fourth in both sessions.

"Red Bull looked quick today, they're usually fast in practice and in the race, so I have no doubts it will be the same this weekend," said the Briton, who replaced his usual number 44 with a one on his car for the first stint.

The Briton won in Brazil despite concerns his car's engine was about to fail.

He used the same engine for practice, after the team found a failure in the variable inlet system that caused unstable combustion, with some permitted hardware changes.

Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said everything looked normal after the two sessions.

Ocon was fifth fastest in the afternoon, in what looks likely to be his last race for a while with Canadian Lance Stroll set to take his place.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, preparing for his last race with the team before joining Sauber, and season's runner-up Sebastian Vettel were seventh and eighth in session one and then fifth and sixth.

McLaren's double world champion Fernando Alonso had a special livery on his car, matching his helmet colours, for his last race before leaving Formula One.

Poland's Robert Kubica, announced on Thursday as a 2019 Williams driver, was also on track testing car developments and without chasing a quick time in first practice.

He was last on the timesheets, more than four seconds slower than Verstappen.

Sauber's Marcus Ericsson, also moving on after Sunday's race, spun at turn one and hit the barriers in the afternoon.

Valtteri Bottas kept up his hopes of ending the year on a high after setting the fastest lap in practice for Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday.

Valtteri Bottas kept up his hopes of ending the year on a high after setting the fastest lap in practice for Formula One's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday. The Mercedes driver, still winless in 2018 while teammate Lewis Hamilton has taken 10 victories and clinched a fifth title with two races to spare, lapped the floodlit Yas Marina circuit with a best time of one minute 37.236 seconds. Bottas won last year's finale from pole position and also set the fastest lap. "It's nice to be on top of the timesheets, but we now need to build on that, we need to try and make the right set-up changes and I also need to find more performance from myself," he said. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, fastest in the first session with a lap of 1:38.491, was second fastest in the evening and 0.044 slower than the Finn. The 21-year-old Dutch driver damaged his car on a kerb, requiring repairs. "The car seems to be working really well again, better than expected just like we experienced in Brazil," said Verstappen, who was runner-up in that race two weeks ago. "I would expect this to be another circuit where tyre management is key to a good result, hopefully it plays into our hands again. Both long runs and short runs look good for the tyres so I’m pleased with how it has gone so far." Australian Daniel Ricciardo, in his last race with Red Bull before leaving for Renault, was second and third respectively in the sessions. With both titles already won by Mercedes for the fifth year in a row, Sunday's race should be a no-holds-barred battle for victory without team orders or other considerations. Verstappen, at the centre of attention in Brazil after a collision with Force India back-marker Esteban Ocon that cost him victory and led to a post-race confrontation, can on Saturday become the sport's youngest driver to take pole position. Hamilton was fourth in both sessions. "Red Bull looked quick today, they're usually fast in practice and in the race, so I have no doubts it will be the same this weekend," said the Briton, who replaced his usual number 44 with a one on his car for the first stint. The Briton won in Brazil despite concerns his car's engine was about to fail. He used the same engine for practice, after the team found a failure in the variable inlet system that caused unstable combustion, with some permitted hardware changes. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said everything looked normal after the two sessions. Ocon was fifth fastest in the afternoon, in what looks likely to be his last race for a while with Canadian Lance Stroll set to take his place. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, preparing for his last race with the team before joining Sauber, and season's runner-up Sebastian Vettel were seventh and eighth in session one and then fifth and sixth. McLaren's double world champion Fernando Alonso had a special livery on his car, matching his helmet colours, for his last race before leaving Formula One. Poland's Robert Kubica, announced on Thursday as a 2019 Williams driver, was also on track testing car developments and without chasing a quick time in first practice. He was last on the timesheets, more than four seconds slower than Verstappen. Sauber's Marcus Ericsson, also moving on after Sunday's race, spun at turn one and hit the barriers in the afternoon.

Valtteri Bottas puts Mercedes on top in Abu Dhabi practice

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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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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-amazing-team-family-after-winning-f1-title-174094">Lewis Hamilton</a> said here Thursday, after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship</a> in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

"I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday.

After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said.

Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running.

Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team. "I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said. Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running. Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

'Job isn't done yet,' says F1 champ Lewis Hamilton

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula One world championship</a> on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth.

"I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home.

"It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support.

"Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

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Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... <a href="https://t.co/U02N19GX8J">https://t.co/U02N19GX8J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LHFive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LHFive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Motors_images?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Motors_images</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROLGAnD3nR">pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR</a>
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/1056681307634388992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

"This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'.

"I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner.

"I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.

"Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit." Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth. "I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home. "It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support. "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over. Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... https://t.co/U02N19GX8J#LHFive @MercedesAMGF1 📷 @Motors_images pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 28, 2018 × "In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil. "This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'. "I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner. "I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment. "Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Lewis Hamilton thanks 'amazing' team, family after winning F1 championship

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-will-wait-for-world-title-172693">waiting for his fifth world title</a>.

Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag.

Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race!

The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet.

Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory.

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🤫
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054103384800796675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kimi7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kimi7</a>'s message for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaFerrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/SEzheOLMdp">pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054152525761470466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kimi's victory was very special for him as he&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-will-return-to-sauber-165092">will leave Ferrari&nbsp;</a>at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber.

This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag. Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race! The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet. Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory. 🤫 — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × #Kimi7's message for you! #USGP #ForzaFerrari pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × Kimi's victory was very special for him as he will leave Ferrari at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber. This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

'Did you win the title,' Raikkonen, Verstappen tease Hamilton

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three.

The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio.

Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix.

Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out.

HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps.

Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot. To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three. The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio. Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix. Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out. HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps. Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Kimi Raikkonen wins F1 United States Grand Prix

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US&nbsp;Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth.

The Briton, who will be only the third driver to win at least five titles if he scores eight points more than Vettel on Sunday, will share the front row with the German's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel qualified second, and just 0.061 slower than&nbsp;Hamilton, but has a three-place grid drop after failing to slow sufficiently while red flags were being waved in Friday practice.

The pole was a record-extending 81st for&nbsp;Hamilton, his third in a row in Austin and ninth of the season and he did it with a time of one minute 32.237 seconds -- a track record.

"That was very important, that was close," said the Briton as he waved at the throng of fans on an overcast and gusty afternoon at the Circuit of the Americas with rainclouds gathering.

"Once we went into that last run, I knew it was quite edgy between us. It was going to require solid laps. The first one was decent but not good enough. The second one was just that little bit better.

"The Ferraris are obviously really quick."

Ferrari had looked the faster team in the second phase of qualifying, with Raikkonen top of the timesheets and Vettel second.

There was also very little between them in the final shootout, with the top three separated by less than a tenth of a second.

"After the weeks we had I'm pretty pleased we are back in range. Today has been surprisingly close, I don't think we expected it to be that close," commented Vettel, who vented his frustration over the team radio after crossing the line.

Verstappen Stopped

Vettel will have his work cut out on Sunday at a racetrack where&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;has won five times in the last six years. The Mercedes driver is also on a roll, with six wins in the last seven rounds.

Another win on Sunday would be&nbsp;Hamilton's fifth in a row, and Vettel -- also a four times world champion -- would have to finish second to keep the championship alive to Mexico the following weekend.

Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas will share the second row with Red Bull's Australian Daniel Ricciardo and neither will be easy for Vettel to get past.

Ricciardo's team mate Max Verstappen would also have hoped to be in the mix but the young Dutch driver will start 13th after suffering suspension damage in the first phase of qualifying.

"Something broke," he exclaimed over the radio.

Force India's Esteban Ocon will start sixth, with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg seventh and Romain Grosjean in eighth place for Haas, Formula One's only US&nbsp;team.

Vettel's future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will line up ninth for Sauber while Force India's Mexican Sergio Perez, who has plenty of local support, qualified 10th.

Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne qualified last but will move up the grid thanks to engine penalties applied to the Toro Rossos of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, who will go to the back of the field.

Lewis Hamilton took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth.

Lewis Hamilton took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth. The Briton, who will be only the third driver to win at least five titles if he scores eight points more than Vettel on Sunday, will share the front row with the German's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen. Vettel qualified second, and just 0.061 slower than Hamilton, but has a three-place grid drop after failing to slow sufficiently while red flags were being waved in Friday practice. The pole was a record-extending 81st for Hamilton, his third in a row in Austin and ninth of the season and he did it with a time of one minute 32.237 seconds -- a track record. "That was very important, that was close," said the Briton as he waved at the throng of fans on an overcast and gusty afternoon at the Circuit of the Americas with rainclouds gathering. "Once we went into that last run, I knew it was quite edgy between us. It was going to require solid laps. The first one was decent but not good enough. The second one was just that little bit better. "The Ferraris are obviously really quick." Ferrari had looked the faster team in the second phase of qualifying, with Raikkonen top of the timesheets and Vettel second. There was also very little between them in the final shootout, with the top three separated by less than a tenth of a second. "After the weeks we had I'm pretty pleased we are back in range. Today has been surprisingly close, I don't think we expected it to be that close," commented Vettel, who vented his frustration over the team radio after crossing the line. Verstappen Stopped Vettel will have his work cut out on Sunday at a racetrack where Hamilton has won five times in the last six years. The Mercedes driver is also on a roll, with six wins in the last seven rounds. Another win on Sunday would be Hamilton's fifth in a row, and Vettel -- also a four times world champion -- would have to finish second to keep the championship alive to Mexico the following weekend. Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas will share the second row with Red Bull's Australian Daniel Ricciardo and neither will be easy for Vettel to get past. Ricciardo's team mate Max Verstappen would also have hoped to be in the mix but the young Dutch driver will start 13th after suffering suspension damage in the first phase of qualifying. "Something broke," he exclaimed over the radio. Force India's Esteban Ocon will start sixth, with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg seventh and Romain Grosjean in eighth place for Haas, Formula One's only US team. Vettel's future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will line up ninth for Sauber while Force India's Mexican Sergio Perez, who has plenty of local support, qualified 10th. Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne qualified last but will move up the grid thanks to engine penalties applied to the Toro Rossos of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, who will go to the back of the field.

Lewis Hamilton takes US pole with fifth title in sight

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes dominated the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday.

The Briton lapped the 5.8-kilometre Suzuka circuit in one minute, 28.691 seconds on the yellow-marked soft tyre, going 0.446 seconds faster than Bottas, who set his quickest time on the slower medium tyre.

Hamilton was nearly a second quicker than title rival Sebastian Vettel, who could manage no better than fifth despite running the grippiest super-soft tyres on his Ferrari. The German, who heads into Sunday’s race 50 points behind Hamilton, ran into traffic on his quickest lap and is sure to find more time.

Daniel Ricciardo set the third-fastest time in his Red Bull ahead of Vettel’s Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Max Verstappen was sixth in the other Red Bull with Frenchman Esteban Ocon taking 'best of the rest' honours with seventh for Force India.

Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas while Charles Leclerc, making his first appearance at Suzuka, ending the session ninth.

His teammate Marcus Ericsson rounded out the top 10.

Briton Lando Norris set make his Formula One debut next season with McLaren, stood in for departing Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne during the opening 90-minute session and ended the bottom of the timesheets in 20th.

Pierre Gasly was an impressive 11th in his Honda-powered Toro Rosso. The Japanese manufacturer is hoping for a happy homecoming this weekend, having brought upgraded engines.

Fernando Alonso had a scare during the overcast but dry session, the Spaniard losing control of his McLaren and sliding off into the gravel.

Hamilton had a close call himself, jinking hard to avoid Gasly’s Toro Rosso and taking the escape road at the final chicane after the Frenchman appeared to back off on the racing line.

Hamilton heads into the weekend having won five of the last six races with only five more — including Sunday’s round — remaining.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes dominated the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas as Mercedes dominated the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix on Friday. The Briton lapped the 5.8-kilometre Suzuka circuit in one minute, 28.691 seconds on the yellow-marked soft tyre, going 0.446 seconds faster than Bottas, who set his quickest time on the slower medium tyre. Hamilton was nearly a second quicker than title rival Sebastian Vettel, who could manage no better than fifth despite running the grippiest super-soft tyres on his Ferrari. The German, who heads into Sunday’s race 50 points behind Hamilton, ran into traffic on his quickest lap and is sure to find more time. Daniel Ricciardo set the third-fastest time in his Red Bull ahead of Vettel’s Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen. Max Verstappen was sixth in the other Red Bull with Frenchman Esteban Ocon taking 'best of the rest' honours with seventh for Force India. Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas while Charles Leclerc, making his first appearance at Suzuka, ending the session ninth. His teammate Marcus Ericsson rounded out the top 10. Briton Lando Norris set make his Formula One debut next season with McLaren, stood in for departing Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne during the opening 90-minute session and ended the bottom of the timesheets in 20th. Pierre Gasly was an impressive 11th in his Honda-powered Toro Rosso. The Japanese manufacturer is hoping for a happy homecoming this weekend, having brought upgraded engines. Fernando Alonso had a scare during the overcast but dry session, the Spaniard losing control of his McLaren and sliding off into the gravel. Hamilton had a close call himself, jinking hard to avoid Gasly’s Toro Rosso and taking the escape road at the final chicane after the Frenchman appeared to back off on the racing line. Hamilton heads into the weekend having won five of the last six races with only five more — including Sunday’s round — remaining.

Mercedes dominate first Japan practice, Vettel fifth fastest

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows.

Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom.

This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari.

Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber.

Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India.

The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team.

Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull.

"Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix. The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows. Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom. This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari. Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber. Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India. The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team. Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull. "Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Record-setting Hamilton tops Sochi practice session

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship.

If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957.

Hamilton took the crown in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

When the season ends Nov. 25 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton hopes to have won a sixth championship, which would place him near legendary driver Michael Schumacher, seven-time world champion.

Schumacher's compatriot Vettel, also with four titles to his credit, is likewise seeking to go down in history as one of the world's greatest drivers.

The focus at Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi will once again be the Hamilton-Vettel - and therefore the Mercedes-Ferrari - duel.

With four wins in the last five races, the English driver seems confident of clinching his fifth championship.

Even though Hamilton has a "healthy advantage," Mercedes team director Toto Wolff said that "there is still a long way to go."

In the next two months, racing activities will move from Russia to Abu Dhabi, with several stops in Japan, the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

"We showed an excellent performance in Singapore and the victory was a fantastic reward for all the hard work that had gone into it," Wolff said this week.

"But it also reinforced another point: there are no easy wins this season," the team director added.

"We have to fight hard for every bit of performance in order to have a chance to fight for victories. This fight will continue in Russia," he said.

A Mercedes driver has won each of the four previous GP races in Russia: Hamilton (2014, 2015), Nico Rosberg (2016) and Valtteri Bottas (2017).

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship. If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957.

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship. If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957. Hamilton took the crown in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017. When the season ends Nov. 25 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton hopes to have won a sixth championship, which would place him near legendary driver Michael Schumacher, seven-time world champion. Schumacher's compatriot Vettel, also with four titles to his credit, is likewise seeking to go down in history as one of the world's greatest drivers. The focus at Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi will once again be the Hamilton-Vettel - and therefore the Mercedes-Ferrari - duel. With four wins in the last five races, the English driver seems confident of clinching his fifth championship. Even though Hamilton has a "healthy advantage," Mercedes team director Toto Wolff said that "there is still a long way to go." In the next two months, racing activities will move from Russia to Abu Dhabi, with several stops in Japan, the United States, Mexico and Brazil. "We showed an excellent performance in Singapore and the victory was a fantastic reward for all the hard work that had gone into it," Wolff said this week. "But it also reinforced another point: there are no easy wins this season," the team director added. "We have to fight hard for every bit of performance in order to have a chance to fight for victories. This fight will continue in Russia," he said. A Mercedes driver has won each of the four previous GP races in Russia: Hamilton (2014, 2015), Nico Rosberg (2016) and Valtteri Bottas (2017).

Lewis Hamilton closes in on 5th Formula 1 title

Mercedes on Tuesday offered an explanation for the delay in signing a fresh contract with Lewis Hamilton, saying both parties wanted to focus on improving the Formula One team's car.

The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year.&nbsp;

However, there have been regular assurances that it is on the point of being signed.

There were reports that something would be done before the start of the season in March, but five races have gone by and there is still no announcement.

The Briton is otherwise out of contract at the end of the season.

"Obviously we don’t want to lose him and I don’t think he wants to go anywhere else. Everything’s going fine," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

"There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be racing with each other for a few more years. We had other priorities in the last few weeks. We weren’t happy with our car’s performance and we needed to sort it out.

"And finalising a contract is something you need to involve yourself in and spend time and we both decided that we’d park it for a minute where we were. But it’s almost all sorted and we’ll pick it up at the right time," added the Austrian.

Hamilton started the season with pole position in Melbourne but Ferrari won the first two races.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo then put Red Bull on top of the podium in China, dealing Mercedes their third straight defeat for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

Mercedes have won both titles for the past four seasons.

The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year.

Mercedes on Tuesday offered an explanation for the delay in signing a fresh contract with Lewis Hamilton, saying both parties wanted to focus on improving the Formula One team's car. The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year. However, there have been regular assurances that it is on the point of being signed. There were reports that something would be done before the start of the season in March, but five races have gone by and there is still no announcement. The Briton is otherwise out of contract at the end of the season. "Obviously we don’t want to lose him and I don’t think he wants to go anywhere else. Everything’s going fine," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. "There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be racing with each other for a few more years. We had other priorities in the last few weeks. We weren’t happy with our car’s performance and we needed to sort it out. "And finalising a contract is something you need to involve yourself in and spend time and we both decided that we’d park it for a minute where we were. But it’s almost all sorted and we’ll pick it up at the right time," added the Austrian. Hamilton started the season with pole position in Melbourne but Ferrari won the first two races. Australian Daniel Ricciardo then put Red Bull on top of the podium in China, dealing Mercedes their third straight defeat for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. Mercedes have won both titles for the past four seasons.

Car issues delayed Lewis Hamilton contract talks: Mercedes

US&nbsp;investigators probing Mercedes maker Daimler have found that its cars were equipped with software which may have helped them to pass diesel emissions tests, a German newspaper reported on Sunday, citing confidential documents.

There has been growing scrutiny of diesel vehicles since Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to installing secret software on 580,000 US&nbsp;vehicles that allowed them to emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions while meeting standards when tested by regulators.

Daimler, which faces ongoing investigations by US&nbsp;and German authorities into excess diesel emissions, has said investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls.

The Bild am Sonntag newspaper said that the documents showed that US&nbsp;investigators had found several software functions that helped Daimler cars pass emissions tests, including one which switched off emissions cleaning after 26 km of driving.

Another function under scrutiny allowed the emissions cleaning system to recognise whether the car was being tested based on speed or acceleration patterns.

Bild am Sonntag also cited emails from Daimler engineers questioning whether these software functions were legal.

A Daimler spokesman declined to comment on the content of the documents, saying the German company was fully cooperating with the US&nbsp;authorities and had agreed upon strict confidentiality with the Department of Justice.

&quot;The authorities know the documents and no complaint has been filed,&quot; the spokesman said. &quot;The documents available to Bild have obviously selectively been released in order to harm Daimler and its 290,000 employees.&quot;&nbsp;

There has been growing scrutiny of diesel vehicles since Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to installing such software in 580,000 US vehicles

US investigators probing Mercedes maker Daimler have found that its cars were equipped with software which may have helped them to pass diesel emissions tests, a German newspaper reported on Sunday, citing confidential documents. There has been growing scrutiny of diesel vehicles since Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to installing secret software on 580,000 US vehicles that allowed them to emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions while meeting standards when tested by regulators. Daimler, which faces ongoing investigations by US and German authorities into excess diesel emissions, has said investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls. The Bild am Sonntag newspaper said that the documents showed that US investigators had found several software functions that helped Daimler cars pass emissions tests, including one which switched off emissions cleaning after 26 km of driving. Another function under scrutiny allowed the emissions cleaning system to recognise whether the car was being tested based on speed or acceleration patterns. Bild am Sonntag also cited emails from Daimler engineers questioning whether these software functions were legal. A Daimler spokesman declined to comment on the content of the documents, saying the German company was fully cooperating with the US authorities and had agreed upon strict confidentiality with the Department of Justice. "The authorities know the documents and no complaint has been filed," the spokesman said. "The documents available to Bild have obviously selectively been released in order to harm Daimler and its 290,000 employees."

Daimler may also have used secret software to pass US emissions tests: Report

There seems to be no relief for German car makers. After Volkswagen, it&rsquo;s time for Mercedes-maker Daimler to face the wrath of US authorities for cheating to pass diesel emissions tests.&nbsp;

In 2015, Volkswagen was found to be fitting millions of diesel engines worldwide with software to distort emission data. And now German carmaker Daimler has been accused of conducting a similar illegal practice in the US.&nbsp;

Mercedes-maker Daimler has been accused of equipping cars with software to pass diesel emissions tests in the US. Results of internal testing revealed that some of the Mercedes models emit ten times the country&#39;s nitrogen oxide limit.&nbsp;

&nbsp;It is important to understand that a huge amount of nitrogen oxides in the air is poisonous. It can contribute to acid rain, can lead to suffocating smog, and can cause breathing problems and headaches in humans.

It has been reported that Daimler used software devices in cars to regulate the amount of a special fluid known as ad blue, which is used in the engines to neutralise harmful nitrogen oxides.

It comes around three years after Volkswagen admitted to installing secret software on 580,000 US vehicles that allowed them to emit up to 40 times the legal limit.

U.S. Investigators are reported to have found a couple of software functions that helped Daimler cars pass emissions tests. For instance, the &ldquo;bit 15&rdquo; software switched off the car&rsquo;s emission control system after 26 kilometres of driving.

Slipguard, on the other hand, allowed the emissions cleaning system to recognise whether the car was being tested based on speed or acceleration patterns.&nbsp;

A Daimler spokesman declines to comment on the content of the documents that have been quoted in the media. He says the company is fully cooperating with the US authorities and has agreed upon strict confidentiality with the Department of Justice.&nbsp;

A Daimler spokesperson says: &ldquo;the documents available to Bild have obviously selectively been released in order to harm Daimler and its 290,000 employees,&rdquo; says a Daimler spokesperson.&nbsp;

U.S. Investigators are probing Mercedes-maker Daimler. Investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s yet to be seen how the US authorities respond to the entire case, but here is an interesting thing to note. It&rsquo;s ironic to see that while Daimler has been accused in the US for cheating on emission tests, it is contributing to a government-funded project in Germany that aims to cut down on air pollution.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

While Daimler has been accused in the US for cheating on emission tests, it is contributing to a government-funded project in Germany that aims to cut down on air pollution.

There seems to be no relief for German car makers. After Volkswagen, it’s time for Mercedes-maker Daimler to face the wrath of US authorities for cheating to pass diesel emissions tests. In 2015, Volkswagen was found to be fitting millions of diesel engines worldwide with software to distort emission data. And now German carmaker Daimler has been accused of conducting a similar illegal practice in the US. Mercedes-maker Daimler has been accused of equipping cars with software to pass diesel emissions tests in the US. Results of internal testing revealed that some of the Mercedes models emit ten times the country's nitrogen oxide limit. It is important to understand that a huge amount of nitrogen oxides in the air is poisonous. It can contribute to acid rain, can lead to suffocating smog, and can cause breathing problems and headaches in humans. It has been reported that Daimler used software devices in cars to regulate the amount of a special fluid known as ad blue, which is used in the engines to neutralise harmful nitrogen oxides. It comes around three years after Volkswagen admitted to installing secret software on 580,000 US vehicles that allowed them to emit up to 40 times the legal limit. U.S. Investigators are reported to have found a couple of software functions that helped Daimler cars pass emissions tests. For instance, the “bit 15” software switched off the car’s emission control system after 26 kilometres of driving. Slipguard, on the other hand, allowed the emissions cleaning system to recognise whether the car was being tested based on speed or acceleration patterns. A Daimler spokesman declines to comment on the content of the documents that have been quoted in the media. He says the company is fully cooperating with the US authorities and has agreed upon strict confidentiality with the Department of Justice. A Daimler spokesperson says: “the documents available to Bild have obviously selectively been released in order to harm Daimler and its 290,000 employees,” says a Daimler spokesperson. U.S. Investigators are probing Mercedes-maker Daimler. Investigations could lead to significant penalties and recalls. It’s yet to be seen how the US authorities respond to the entire case, but here is an interesting thing to note. It’s ironic to see that while Daimler has been accused in the US for cheating on emission tests, it is contributing to a government-funded project in Germany that aims to cut down on air pollution. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is German car company Daimler poisoning our air?

The death toll following a double car bomb attack in the Libyan city of Benghazi on Tuesday night has risen to at least 22, a hospital spokeswoman said.

A further 20 people were injured and the number of fatalities could rise, Fadia al-Barghathi, spokeswoman for the city&#39;s al-Jala hospital, told AFP.

An explosives-rigged vehicle blew up in front of a mosque in the central neighbourhood of Al-Sleimani, a security source said.

A second car exploded 30 minutes later in the same area, causing more casualties among security services and civilians.

Libya has been rocked by chaos since a 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival authorities and multiple militias vying for control of the oil-rich country.

Military strongman Khalifa Haftar in July announced the &quot;total liberation&quot; of Benghazi, three years after his forces launched a military operation to seize the city from jihadists who had made it a stronghold following the revolution.&nbsp;

But clashes and attacks in the city have continued, including against diplomatic facilities and security forces.

Haftar supports a parliament based in the far east of Libya, while a rival United Nations-backed unity government in the western capital Tripoli has struggled to assert its authority nationwide.

An explosives-rigged vehicle blew up in front of a mosque in the central neighbourhood of Al-Sleimani

The death toll following a double car bomb attack in the Libyan city of Benghazi on Tuesday night has risen to at least 22, a hospital spokeswoman said. A further 20 people were injured and the number of fatalities could rise, Fadia al-Barghathi, spokeswoman for the city's al-Jala hospital, told AFP. An explosives-rigged vehicle blew up in front of a mosque in the central neighbourhood of Al-Sleimani, a security source said. A second car exploded 30 minutes later in the same area, causing more casualties among security services and civilians. Libya has been rocked by chaos since a 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival authorities and multiple militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. Military strongman Khalifa Haftar in July announced the "total liberation" of Benghazi, three years after his forces launched a military operation to seize the city from jihadists who had made it a stronghold following the revolution. But clashes and attacks in the city have continued, including against diplomatic facilities and security forces. Haftar supports a parliament based in the far east of Libya, while a rival United Nations-backed unity government in the western capital Tripoli has struggled to assert its authority nationwide.

Twin car bombs kill at least 22 in Libya's Benghazi

In a shocking video released by Britain&#39;s West Midlands Police, two men are seen stealing a Mercedes. The CCTV footage of the theft was released on West Midlands Police&#39;s official YouTube Channel on November 26 while the theft took place a couple of months back.

The suspects are seen using relay boxes that are capable of getting signals through doors, walls and windows, barring metal. The men were able to receive signals from the car&#39;s key inside the house and tricked the car&#39;s system into believing that it actually got the command from the key.&nbsp;

The incident is been reported as the first &quot;relay crime&quot; to be caught on camera. The suspects were able to drive away the Mercedes without really needing the key or breaking the lock in under a minute.&nbsp;The Mercedes has still not been recovered.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8pffcngJJq0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>

 
The video shows one man standing near car&#39;s rear door and the other one stationed right outside what looks like the garage door. Both men are seen carrying relay boxes with them to get the signal from the car key located inside the victim&#39;s house. 
 
In a jiffy, they manage to unlock the car and drive off. 
&nbsp;

The incident is been reported as the first "relay crime" to be caught on camera.

In a shocking video released by Britain's West Midlands Police, two men are seen stealing a Mercedes. The CCTV footage of the theft was released on West Midlands Police's official YouTube Channel on November 26 while the theft took place a couple of months back. The suspects are seen using relay boxes that are capable of getting signals through doors, walls and windows, barring metal. The men were able to receive signals from the car's key inside the house and tricked the car's system into believing that it actually got the command from the key. The incident is been reported as the first "relay crime" to be caught on camera. The suspects were able to drive away the Mercedes without really needing the key or breaking the lock in under a minute. The Mercedes has still not been recovered. The video shows one man standing near car's rear door and the other one stationed right outside what looks like the garage door. Both men are seen carrying relay boxes with them to get the signal from the car key located inside the victim's house. In a jiffy, they manage to unlock the car and drive off.

Watch: Two men steal Mercedes in under a minute without car key

Valtteri Bottas allowed himself a roar of delight on Saturday when he claimed pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix after Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton had crashed out of contention.

The 28-year-old Finn said he was delighted to succeed because he had promised to take pole to boost spirits in the team after some members had been robbed at gunpoint on Friday when they left the track in a mini-bus.

&ldquo;I spoke with them this morning and I said we were going to put it on pole position and cheer everyone up, so I&rsquo;m glad we did that,&quot; said Bottas.

&ldquo;First of all, I&rsquo;m happy everyone is in one piece and nothing physical happened to anyone, but it was a pretty bad situation to be in and I&rsquo;m happy everybody is still here.&quot;

Bottas&rsquo;s pole brought to an end a difficult period during which he had slid out of contention for the drivers&rsquo; championship and been out-qualified by Hamilton at every race since the mid-season break in August.

&ldquo;For sure, it has been more difficult, sometimes better, but that&rsquo;s how it goes in racing,&quot; added Bottas, who said he felt a duty to perform for the team especially after Hamilton, who clinched his fourth drivers world title in Mexico two weeks ago, spun off into the barriers on his first flying lap in Q1.

Hamilton was relegated to the back of the grid and then discovered he will start Sunday&#39;s race from the pit lane after Mercedes decided that they would have to take his car out parc ferme to carry out repairs.

&ldquo;I think the performance line, for me, in the last few races has been all the way going up,&quot; added Bottas.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;m just feeling better and better with the car, we&rsquo;ve just been working hard on the issues we&rsquo;ve been having.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been learning a lot, getting better, learning from the mistakes and the tricky sessions. The last few weekends have been a lot better in qualifying -- there were just a couple of hundredths of a second between Lewis and me.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s also been the case all weekend here so it was a shame he wasn&#39;t in Q3, but I&rsquo;m still very pleased with my performance.&quot;

With Hamilton eliminated, Bottas rose to the challenge and outpaced the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel to grab his third pole position.&nbsp;

Bottas trails second placed Vettel by 15 points in the championship and hopes to overhaul him for runners-up spot with two races left. &nbsp;

It brought him a well-deserved moment of pleasure on a challenging day for champions Mercedes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hamilton, struggling with a cold, tweeted about the violent incident before his team made an official statement confirming it had taken place.&nbsp;

No-one was hurt, but shots were fired and valuables were stolen. &nbsp;

He urged teams and organisers to intensify security arrangements.

Then, on his first flying lap, he lost control of his car and spun into the barriers.

&ldquo;It happened really quick,&quot; said Hamilton. &quot;It is what it is. Of course, it&rsquo;s unfortunate&hellip;

&ldquo;I tend to just look at it as -- challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them makes life meaningful. I just need to take whatever bubble of negativity comes from that experience and move forwards and try and grow from it.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s very unusual from me, but it shows we are all human and things happen. I will try to have as much fun as possible tomorrow (in the race). Years ago, I came from quite far behind and had a great race here.&rdquo;

Hamilton may also have remembered that he battled to finish fifth with a passing move on the final corner of the final lap that brought him his first championship in 2008.

Valtteri Bottas allowed himself a roar of delight on Saturday when he claimed pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix after Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton had crashed out of contention

Valtteri Bottas allowed himself a roar of delight on Saturday when he claimed pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix after Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton had crashed out of contention. The 28-year-old Finn said he was delighted to succeed because he had promised to take pole to boost spirits in the team after some members had been robbed at gunpoint on Friday when they left the track in a mini-bus. “I spoke with them this morning and I said we were going to put it on pole position and cheer everyone up, so I’m glad we did that," said Bottas. “First of all, I’m happy everyone is in one piece and nothing physical happened to anyone, but it was a pretty bad situation to be in and I’m happy everybody is still here." Bottas’s pole brought to an end a difficult period during which he had slid out of contention for the drivers’ championship and been out-qualified by Hamilton at every race since the mid-season break in August. “For sure, it has been more difficult, sometimes better, but that’s how it goes in racing," added Bottas, who said he felt a duty to perform for the team especially after Hamilton, who clinched his fourth drivers world title in Mexico two weeks ago, spun off into the barriers on his first flying lap in Q1. Hamilton was relegated to the back of the grid and then discovered he will start Sunday's race from the pit lane after Mercedes decided that they would have to take his car out parc ferme to carry out repairs. “I think the performance line, for me, in the last few races has been all the way going up," added Bottas. “I’m just feeling better and better with the car, we’ve just been working hard on the issues we’ve been having. “We’ve been learning a lot, getting better, learning from the mistakes and the tricky sessions. The last few weekends have been a lot better in qualifying -- there were just a couple of hundredths of a second between Lewis and me. “It’s also been the case all weekend here so it was a shame he wasn't in Q3, but I’m still very pleased with my performance." With Hamilton eliminated, Bottas rose to the challenge and outpaced the Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel to grab his third pole position. Bottas trails second placed Vettel by 15 points in the championship and hopes to overhaul him for runners-up spot with two races left. It brought him a well-deserved moment of pleasure on a challenging day for champions Mercedes. Hamilton, struggling with a cold, tweeted about the violent incident before his team made an official statement confirming it had taken place. No-one was hurt, but shots were fired and valuables were stolen. He urged teams and organisers to intensify security arrangements. Then, on his first flying lap, he lost control of his car and spun into the barriers. “It happened really quick," said Hamilton. "It is what it is. Of course, it’s unfortunate… “I tend to just look at it as -- challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them makes life meaningful. I just need to take whatever bubble of negativity comes from that experience and move forwards and try and grow from it. “It’s very unusual from me, but it shows we are all human and things happen. I will try to have as much fun as possible tomorrow (in the race). Years ago, I came from quite far behind and had a great race here.” Hamilton may also have remembered that he battled to finish fifth with a passing move on the final corner of the final lap that brought him his first championship in 2008.

Formula One: Bottas shines on a troubled day for Mercedes and Hamilton

German carmaker Mercedes&minus;Benz launched AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 4MATIC in a bid to corner the luxury car market in India.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is priced onwards 75.2 lakhs and GLA 45 4MATIC has been pegged onwards 77.85 lakhs, reports said.

AMG CLA 45 4matic comes with revised AMG front apron with new A-wing design and louvres in the outer air intakes. The company said it had improved aerodynamics by redesigned spoiler lip on the rear.

The car has been fitted with AMG radiator grille with twin louvre finished in silver chrome, LED high-performance headlamps, AMG E-SELECT selector lever and master key with AMG emblem as standard equipment.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC comes with a redesigned front apron and louvres in three air intakes with front splitter insert in silver chrome and flics in high-gloss black for optimized cooling airflow.

The dashboard has been finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching.&nbsp;

The car is powered by the AMG 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbo engine producing 280 kW @ 6000 rpm and up to 475 Nm of torque between 2250-5000 rpm in 0-100 in 4.4 seconds. &nbsp;

Mercedes-AMG has launched seven cars this year as India&#39;s luxury segment hots up with consumers ready to put their money on the best car available in the market.

The German carmaker which had launched its E-class variant last year has 45 per cent market share in India and is eyeing a larger chunk in the ever-growing Indian market.&nbsp;

While launching the car, Roland Folger, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said: &quot;With our AMG 45 range, we provide our customers with a product that embodies the motorsport DNA while adding the practicality of everyday use.&quot;

&quot;The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 4Matic have been modified, keeping in mind the changing Indian market sentiments and to suit the young generation&#39;s requirements,&quot; Folger added. 
&nbsp;

AMG CLA 45 4matic comes with revised AMG front apron with new A-wing design and louvres in the outer air intakes.

German carmaker Mercedes−Benz launched AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 4MATIC in a bid to corner the luxury car market in India. Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is priced onwards 75.2 lakhs and GLA 45 4MATIC has been pegged onwards 77.85 lakhs, reports said. AMG CLA 45 4matic comes with revised AMG front apron with new A-wing design and louvres in the outer air intakes. The company said it had improved aerodynamics by redesigned spoiler lip on the rear. The car has been fitted with AMG radiator grille with twin louvre finished in silver chrome, LED high-performance headlamps, AMG E-SELECT selector lever and master key with AMG emblem as standard equipment. Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC comes with a redesigned front apron and louvres in three air intakes with front splitter insert in silver chrome and flics in high-gloss black for optimized cooling airflow. The dashboard has been finished in ARTICO man-made leather with red topstitching. The car is powered by the AMG 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbo engine producing 280 kW @ 6000 rpm and up to 475 Nm of torque between 2250-5000 rpm in 0-100 in 4.4 seconds. Mercedes-AMG has launched seven cars this year as India's luxury segment hots up with consumers ready to put their money on the best car available in the market. The German carmaker which had launched its E-class variant last year has 45 per cent market share in India and is eyeing a larger chunk in the ever-growing Indian market. While launching the car, Roland Folger, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said: "With our AMG 45 range, we provide our customers with a product that embodies the motorsport DNA while adding the practicality of everyday use." "The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 4Matic have been modified, keeping in mind the changing Indian market sentiments and to suit the young generation's requirements," Folger added.

Mercedes-Benz launches AMG CLA, GLA

Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champions&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;announced what they said was a &#39;no-brainer&#39; of a deal on Wednesday by signing Finnish driver Valtteri&nbsp;Bottas&nbsp;for another season&nbsp;alongside Lewis Hamilton.

Bottas&nbsp;joined from Williams in January after Hamilton&#39;s previous team mate, Germany&#39;s 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, decided to retire within days of winning the title last November.

The 28-year-old has won two races so far this&nbsp;season, in Austria and Russia, and is third in the standings with a 41 point gap to championship leader Hamilton.

The extension was widely expected after four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel signed a new long-term deal with Ferrari last month, removing a leading candidate for the job.

&quot;We gave Valtteri a big challenge this year: joining the team at the 11th hour, stepping up to the forefront of F1 and pairing with the sport&#39;s best driver as his team mate,&quot; said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement.

&quot;With that in mind, his results have been probably even more impressive... the balance of his performances and his upward trajectory made it a no-brainer for us to continue with him into2018.

&quot;For our team, the bonus factors are the respect and sportsmanship that have grown between our two drivers. The chemistry and dynamic between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors.&quot;

Bottas&nbsp;joined on a&nbsp;one-year-deal and his new contract still leaves everything open for 2019, when the driver market is likely to go through major upheaval with several top names in the spotlight.

Both Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are tied to that team for&nbsp;2018&nbsp;but are hot properties while Ferrari are likely to be seeking a replacement for Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton&#39;s contract is also up for renewal and expires at the end of&nbsp;2018, although he has said he expects to agree a new deal.

Bottas&nbsp;at least gets a chance to cement his reputation and win more races.

&quot;Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit,&quot; said the Finn, thanking&nbsp;Mercedes&nbsp;for their &#39;leap of faith&#39; in him.

&quot;Since joining the team in January, I&#39;ve enjoyed every day working with them... as a driver, I&#39;ve been able to learn and grow massively, and we have already enjoyed some really good moments this&nbsp;season&nbsp;that I will never forget.

&quot;Partnering Lewis has also been really good, and I&#39;m enjoying the respect we have and the will to push this team forward together.&quot;

Bottas?joined from Williams in January after Hamilton's previous team mate, Germany's 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, decided to retire within days of winning the title last November.

Formula One world champions Mercedes announced what they said was a 'no-brainer' of a deal on Wednesday by signing Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas for another season alongside Lewis Hamilton. Bottas joined from Williams in January after Hamilton's previous team mate, Germany's 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg, decided to retire within days of winning the title last November. The 28-year-old has won two races so far this season, in Austria and Russia, and is third in the standings with a 41 point gap to championship leader Hamilton. The extension was widely expected after four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel signed a new long-term deal with Ferrari last month, removing a leading candidate for the job. "We gave Valtteri a big challenge this year: joining the team at the 11th hour, stepping up to the forefront of F1 and pairing with the sport's best driver as his team mate," said team boss Toto Wolff in a statement. "With that in mind, his results have been probably even more impressive... the balance of his performances and his upward trajectory made it a no-brainer for us to continue with him into2018. "For our team, the bonus factors are the respect and sportsmanship that have grown between our two drivers. The chemistry and dynamic between Valtteri and Lewis work and are what we need to take the fight to our competitors." Bottas joined on a one-year-deal and his new contract still leaves everything open for 2019, when the driver market is likely to go through major upheaval with several top names in the spotlight. Both Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo are tied to that team for 2018 but are hot properties while Ferrari are likely to be seeking a replacement for Kimi Raikkonen. Hamilton's contract is also up for renewal and expires at the end of 2018, although he has said he expects to agree a new deal. Bottas at least gets a chance to cement his reputation and win more races. "Together, we continue to grow stronger day by day, and by keeping up our hard work I believe the sky is the limit," said the Finn, thanking Mercedes for their 'leap of faith' in him. "Since joining the team in January, I've enjoyed every day working with them... as a driver, I've been able to learn and grow massively, and we have already enjoyed some really good moments this season that I will never forget. "Partnering Lewis has also been really good, and I'm enjoying the respect we have and the will to push this team forward together."

Formula-1: Mercedes confirm Bottas for 2018

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/top-cars-toyota-skoda-ford-race-to-capture-india-422">Mercedes-AMG hypercar has previously attracted</a> attention due to its F1 derived powertrain and now the company has released a teaser image of the rear profile of the car.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en">
One day we&rsquo;ll bring performance at outstanding efficiency to the streets...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMG50Years?src=hash">#AMG50Years</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMGFuturePerformance?src=hash">#AMGFuturePerformance</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMGProjectONE?src=hash">#AMGProjectONE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton">@LewisHamilton</a> <a href="https://t.co/faR6p39aWS">pic.twitter.com/faR6p39aWS</a>
&mdash; Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/906186627126444032">September 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The car that is claimed to be the most aerodynamic street car from the Mercedes-AMG stable is being developed under the name Project One.&nbsp;

A two-seater car with a small backseat, Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar is expected to be priced at&nbsp;approximately $2.73 million.&nbsp;

The all-wheel drive car will make use of two electric motors on the front wheels.&nbsp;

While there&nbsp;will be an electric motor powering the crankshaft and the other will be paired with a turbocharger.&nbsp;

The four electric motors will use energy from a lithium-ion battery.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/top-cars-toyota-skoda-ford-race-to-capture-india-422">Mercedes</a>-AMG Project One hypercar with a total power output of 1,020PS will be powered by 1.6 liters turbocharged V-6.

The car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.&nbsp;

Only 275 units of the Mercedes-AMG Project One is set to be manufactured.&nbsp;

The hypercar model will mark AMG&#39;s 50th-anniversary celebration.

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Take it from us... ?? This is one launch you&#39;re not gonna want to miss!! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MBIAA17?src=hash">#MBIAA17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMG50Years?src=hash">#AMG50Years</a> <a href="https://t.co/5s47xzyXyP">https://t.co/5s47xzyXyP</a>
&mdash; Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/906939307520348160">September 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Mercedes-AMG hypercar has previously attracted attention due to its F1 derived powertrain and now the company has released a teaser image of the rear profile of the car

The Mercedes-AMG hypercar has previously attracted attention due to its F1 derived powertrain and now the company has released a teaser image of the rear profile of the car. One day we’ll bring performance at outstanding efficiency to the streets...#AMG50Years #AMGFuturePerformance #AMGProjectONE @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/faR6p39aWS — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 8, 2017 × The car that is claimed to be the most aerodynamic street car from the Mercedes-AMG stable is being developed under the name Project One. A two-seater car with a small backseat, Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar is expected to be priced at approximately $2.73 million. The all-wheel drive car will make use of two electric motors on the front wheels. While there will be an electric motor powering the crankshaft and the other will be paired with a turbocharger. The four electric motors will use energy from a lithium-ion battery. Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar with a total power output of 1,020PS will be powered by 1.6 liters turbocharged V-6. The car is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Only 275 units of the Mercedes-AMG Project One is set to be manufactured. The hypercar model will mark AMG's 50th-anniversary celebration. Take it from us... ?? This is one launch you're not gonna want to miss!! ??#MBIAA17 #AMG50Years https://t.co/5s47xzyXyP — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 10, 2017 ×

Mercedes-AMG Project One rear design unveiled

Mercedes-Benz India has launched two high performance cars in India to celebrate 50 years of the AMG performance brand.&nbsp;

Expanding its AMG portfolio to 12 models in India, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the GT Roadster and the GT-R at 2.19 crore (ex-showroom, India) and Rs 2.23 crore (ex-showroom, India) respectively.&nbsp;

The new Mercedes Benz AMG GT-R popularly known as &quot;Beast of the Green Hell&quot;&nbsp;is inspired from AMG GT3 racing car while the GT roadstar from GT-R.

Mercedes GT R which already holds the world record of the fastest rear-wheel-drive car around the famous Nurburgring circuit, again emerged as the fastest ever production car at a speed run conducted by FMSCI and the AMG GT R at the Buddh International Circuit wherein it covered the distance at a time of 2 minutes and 09.853 seconds.&nbsp;

The new sports car AMG GT R is the enhanced version of the GT S that is currently sold in India.The carbon fibre roof is designed to ensure high rigidity and safety and the 20 inch 5 spoke AMG &nbsp;aluminium wheels ensure weight savings. The sporty look is designed in a unique green colour with&nbsp;5-twin-spoke forged wheels with a matte black finish 
he unique green colour Mercedes-AMG GT R features 19/20-inch AMG performance.

AMG R, the Affalterbach tuned, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, that generates 585 hp and 700 Nm of peak torque (75 hp and 50 Nm more than the GT S in India). The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox found in other GT model cars. With a maximum speed of 317 km/h, the GT R can sprint 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

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Mercedes-Benz India has launched two high performance cars in India to celebrate 50 years of the AMG performance brand

Mercedes-Benz India has launched two high performance cars in India to celebrate 50 years of the AMG performance brand. Expanding its AMG portfolio to 12 models in India, Mercedes-Benz will be launching the GT Roadster and the GT-R at 2.19 crore (ex-showroom, India) and Rs 2.23 crore (ex-showroom, India) respectively. The new Mercedes Benz AMG GT-R popularly known as "Beast of the Green Hell" is inspired from AMG GT3 racing car while the GT roadstar from GT-R. Mercedes GT R which already holds the world record of the fastest rear-wheel-drive car around the famous Nurburgring circuit, again emerged as the fastest ever production car at a speed run conducted by FMSCI and the AMG GT R at the Buddh International Circuit wherein it covered the distance at a time of 2 minutes and 09.853 seconds. The new sports car AMG GT R is the enhanced version of the GT S that is currently sold in India.The carbon fibre roof is designed to ensure high rigidity and safety and the 20 inch 5 spoke AMG aluminium wheels ensure weight savings. The sporty look is designed in a unique green colour with 5-twin-spoke forged wheels with a matte black finish he unique green colour Mercedes-AMG GT R features 19/20-inch AMG performance. AMG R, the Affalterbach tuned, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, that generates 585 hp and 700 Nm of peak torque (75 hp and 50 Nm more than the GT S in India). The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox found in other GT model cars. With a maximum speed of 317 km/h, the GT R can sprint 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT-R launched in India for Rs 2.23 crore

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