F1's Hamilton denies lifestyle distractions

Lewis Hamilton has defended himself against suggestions that he may be suffering from a hectic lifestyle ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The defending two-time world champion and current series leader was quizzed at a pre-race news conference at Spa-Francorchamps on Thursday.

Asked if, according to the activities recorded in various social media sources, he was enjoying a 'new life', Hamilton said he had not changed anything – despite reports that he had taken in a succession of celebrity events on both sides of the Atlantic.  

"No, I don't have a new way of life," he said. "There is just more visibility now, to you. That's it.

He added: "It's been working well for me for the last couple of years."

Hamilton added that he was confident about this weekend's race, but knew his Mercedes team would have to work harder than all their rivals to succeed.

"We definitely don't feel we have any advantage. We come here naturally wanting to win and to focus on staying up front.

"But the other teams are working so hard and we can't expect it to be easy. They are pushing hard and we have to push harder to win."

A relaxed Hamilton admitted he hoped he and the team enjoyed the race more than last year’s Belgian event when he was involved in an acrimonious collision and spat with his Mercedes team-mate German Nico Rosberg.

"We want to forget that and get a good result for the team," he said.

Rosberg, 30, has arranged for a private jet to be at his disposal at Liege airport in case he flies home to Monte Carlo to be at his wife’s bedside as the couple await the arrival of their first child.
Source: AFP