Six-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has sent a warning shot to his rivals claiming he will be in better shape than ever ahead of the new campaign, branding himself ‘a machine’.
The 2020 season will represent an opportunity for Hamilton to Michael Schumacher and claim a record-equalling seventh World Championship.
The British driver completed his most successful season to-date in 2019, winning 11 races and recording the most points ever scored in a season, breaking his own record from 2018.
Hamilton will also enter the season in Australia on March 15 with 84 wins to his name, just seven shy of Schumacher’s outright record of 91.
Posting on Instagram alongside his new house, the 35-year old posted: “I am at peace when I’m here, can focus and build my mind and body so that I can come back year on year.
“I’m going to be a machine this year, on another level than ever before! Spread love and positivity everywhere we go”
Technical regulations remain stable for the 2020 season, which often leads to teams closing up in the competitive pecking order.
Given how closely the top three teams of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull ended the 2019 season, Hamilton’s rivals will likely be chewing at the bit for the opportunity to potentially challenge the reigning champion on a closer footing.
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have recently signed long-term deals to keep them at respective teams, Red Bull and Ferrari, while both Hamilton and long-time rival Sebastian Vettel are out of contract at the end of the season.
