Lew: Lions will rev me up

LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted England’s World Cup match against Panama is a distraction he will be unable to resist.

England’s group game with the Central Americans will conclude just 20 minutes before the start of the French Grand Prix.

Hamilton (right) said: “The game is on Sunday, so it’s going to be a little bit harder to focus on the race. It will be on television in the Mercedes hospitality suite, and I’m sure my engineers are going to keep an eye on it.

“When the World Cup comes around, you’re hoping for something special.

“I feel very patriotic. To be the one raising the flag, hopefully against the German flag – just like we are hoping the England football team does against Germany – is an honour and a privilege.”