Hamilton explains how he stays in F1 'sweet spot'

Lewis Hamilton believes his performances have seen in a "sweet spot" since the middle part of last season, allowing him to take his fifth world title and begin 2019 in the perfect form to take a sixth. Hamilton has won 13 of the last 17 grands prix, dating back to Germany last year.

A strong end to last season saw Hamilton pull clear of Sebastian Vettel, while Valtteri Bottas is trailing in the Brit's dust this year, with Ferrari struggling for form.

Hamilton pointed to influences away from the track as being crucial to aiding his racing.

"Last year I hit that sweet spot at some point during the season, and started being really, really consistent," said Hamilton.

"The races have been really strong, as last year, and I've not really dropped the ball in that sense, I've not dropped off.

"Last year qualifying at the end of the year was very strong.

"But it's all to do with lifestyle, health, all those kinds of things, and they have a real impact. Also we're doing a great job as a team.

"Whether or not we're quickest on the weekend I've still got to do the job and deliver. I'm hoping that the rest of the year continues.

"I'm happy where I am in life, I have my health, and the people around me. That's all down to lifestyle, and life choices.

"What I can say is my races have been really, really strong, really consistent, and even weekends where we've not had the car to really win, I've been able to put it right there with the front-runners.

"My goal on a race weekend is obviously to do the best that I can do for the team, but it's also to really extract above and beyond."

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