Long flights no problem before Malaysia - Hamilton
By GMM
Lewis Hamilton has played down concerns that returning to Europe this week is a less-than-ideal preparation for F1's forthcoming Malaysia-China double header.
The McLaren driver, after finishing the Melbourne opener in second place, revealed he is flying back to the UK to watch his disabled 19-year-old brother Nicolas make his motor racing debut in the Renault Clio Cup.
Hamilton, 26, will then make the 12,000 kilometre return flight almost immediately in order to stay in the Asian timezone.
"It's cool," he told British newspapers. "I'll get to watch lots of movies on the plane. Physically, this is the best I've ever felt by a long way.
"I can't miss my brother's first race. I can sleep on the flight. I can still stay in this timezone," Hamilton insisted.
Looking ahead, he admitted that Melbourne winner Sebastian Vettel will surely have another competitive outing at Sepang next weekend.
"Malaysia is a massive downforce track so you're going to see Red Bull as quick if not quicker. But I have no doubts our car can be competitive as well," said Hamilton.
Another Briton returning to the UK this week is rookie Scot Paul di Resta.
"I'm heading back because I have to prepare for Malaysia and China in the simulator as they are back to back," he told the Daily Mail.
Share Or Save This Story
Ferrari must decide if it will run updated F1 engines in Monza this week after ADUO results
Would Lewis Hamilton's attempted one-stop have worked at the Dutch GP?
Ferrari teases special Michael Schumacher livery for SF-26 at Monza
Mercedes searching for answers after Kimi Antonelli’s pace fell off in F1 Dutch GP
Andrea Stella casts doubt on Mercedes’ claim it can’t afford F1 upgrades: “I actually don't believe you”
Why Lando Norris was “surprised” to claim Dutch GP pole position
Sammy Smith "moving on" from JR Motorsports after 2026 season
Judge issues mixed rulings after Gibbs, Gabehart, Spire hearing
Glock lashes out at Dorr team: "There’s an A car and a B car!"
Honda completes historic 2026 IndyCar street circuit sweep with DC win
How a grateful Yuki Tsunoda found F1 closure as Dutch GP super-sub
Would Lewis Hamilton's attempted one-stop have worked at the Dutch GP?
Memories of Ken Tyrrell, 25 years on from his passing
How Fernando Alonso scored ninth at Zandvoort - and how Alex Albon lost a similar payday
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments