Not only has the Brit failed to win a race since Saudi Arabia in 2021, but experienced the longest podium drought of his career until Barcelona.
Coupled with Hamilton’s qualifying woes against team-mate George Russell, 2024 has been exhausting for the champion often appearing deflated post-race.
Hamilton ‘sleeps’ after Spanish GP
However, since Mercedes introduced upgrades to his W15 in Canada, Hamilton has been re-energised by a competitive spirit and secured P3 at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Following his first podium of the year, Hamilton was the first to arrive at the post-race press conference.
According to Luke Smith of the Athletic, the champion immediately put his sunglasses on and reclined on the sofa .
He remained lying down when the other drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris entered the press conference.
The pair came first and second respectively in the grand prix, with Norris missing out on a second career victory after acquiring pole position on the Saturday.
Despite their success Verstappen and Norris are still some of the youngest drivers on the grid, the champion 26-years-old and the Brit 24.
As Verstappen entered the conference he observed the 39-year-old Hamilton lying down and was quick to make a joke at the expense of his age.
"He's clearly getting old! Do you need a massage?" Verstappen joked.
Whilst Hamilton looked exhausted, the result and Mercedes’ resurgence to the front will have buoyed the British star.
With the Austrian and British GP next in F1’s triple header, Hamilton will be hoping to carry this momentum to his home race at Silverstone and another podium.