Lewis rivals throw down F1 challenge

LEWIS Hamilton is predicting the most demanding season of his Mercedes career in the quest for a sixth world championship.

Hamilton has won 51 of the last 100 races en route to securing four titles in five years.

The Silver Arrows are yet to show their true pace at Formula One’s opening winter test in Barcelona, with Hamilton only 12th yesterday.

Rivals Ferrari, in the hands of Sebastian Vettel and new team-mate Charles Leclerc, have posted a series of headline-grabbing times.

“It is crazy to think I’ve had six years with the team already, but this is going to be the most challenging year of our partnership,” said Hamilton.

“Ferrari are very, very strong right now. They are racking up great mileage and it appears they have a better package than they had last year, which means it is going to be even more of a challenge for us this season.”

On the penultimate day of the opening test at the Circuit de Catalunya, Toro Rosso’s Daniil Kvyat was the surprise name at the top of the time charts.

The Russian completed the fastest time of the week with a lap of one minute and 17. 704 seconds to edge out Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen.

Trouble-hit Williams finally got their first taste of action after missing the opening two days because their car was not ready.

British novice George Russell emerged after the lunch break as Williams bid to play catch-up with just five days of winter testing remaining. He finished last, completing 23 laps.