‘Tis the season to stay fit

Hamilton plans to rein in the celebrations

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton plans to go easy on his Christmas celebrations in preparation for his title defence.

KUALA LUMPUR: Christmas is coming but don’t expect fourtime Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton to go easy on his training regiment.

The Brit, who flew in yesterday to celebrate Mercedes’ fourth constructors’ title with sponsors Petronas, warned the rest of the grid that he’d be back to his best next season.

Which means no heavy partying or over-indulging in food.

“The season is over but I plan to continue staying fit. I’ve come to a stage where I’m so used to my current physique.

“The worst thing during the off-season is to take things easy. It’s so hard to get back into shape later.

“Maybe, I’ll allow myself to have some pizza and pancakes, but that’s about it.

“I’m focused on next year’s preparations and how can I be better,” said Hamilton, who won the Mexican Grand Prix at the end of October to seal his fourth world title – with two races remaining.

Hamilton is now the most successful British driver of all time after overtaking Jackie Stewart’s record of three world crowns.

“Records are meant to be broken. I hope to be able to extend it and keep raising the bar, make it hard to beat,” said the 32-year-old, who finished fourth in Brazil in the penultimate round and second in the season- finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Hamilton also said that he expected the Renault-powered Red Bull, Ferrari and, perhaps, McLaren to be up there fighting with a new power unit version.

“Red Bull should be making a step forward if Renault can improve on their engine and give Mercedes a better fight. If McLaren get their new power unit in place, they can be on the pace,” said Hamilton, who will be formally presented with his championship-winning trophy at the FIA annual prize-giving gala in Paris tomorrow.

For now, Hamilton is just delighted to share his success with Petronas employees here.

“Honestly, I had a very warm reception today. It was on another level. I thought I was only coming for a press conference. No one told me about the fans. It was emotional for me to see the great support here, especially in a place where there will be no more Grand Prix races after this,” he said.