Lewis Hamilton has declared he is training harder than any other driver on the Formula One grid as he dedicates himself fully to winning a record eighth world championship. The 41-year-old heads into this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka after claiming his first Ferrari podium with a third-place finish in China a fortnight ago.
Hamilton endured a difficult first season at Ferrari following his move from Mercedes, at one point describing himself as 'useless' and even calling on the team to replace him. However, he has been revitalised by the smaller, lighter, nimbler generation of cars that resemble a throwback to his glory years.
Asked about rediscovering his form, Hamilton said: 'I personally don't find it a relief. It is just a change of attitude and not letting all the BS that comes out of people's mouths get in the way of knowing who I am and what I am able to do. I have not lost what I have had, and regardless of people who write that, I will continue to show up and train harder than ever.'
Hamilton revealed he ran 100 kilometres in Tokyo between races and believes none of his rivals have trained as hard. He added: 'I know none of the drivers I am racing against have trained as hard as I am and giving it what I am, especially at my age. And I love that, that I still have that drive to push myself.'
Hamilton is in a new relationship with Kim Kardashian, and videos of the couple together in Tokyo circulated on social media. Former Mercedes teammate George Russell said: 'Lewis is clearly in a much better place and looks to be much happier with life – and that's probably because he is loved up now.'
Hamilton currently sits 18 points behind Russell in the championship standings. He said: 'I am ultimately proud to get to this point, but there is a long way to go and I am under no illusions that it is going to be a really tough season. No-one has done it for me. I did it for myself and that is what we have to do as individuals and that is the ultimate test as an athlete, to get back to being your best.'
