Hamilton: Drivers will be "rusty as hell" on F1 return

Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1's drivers will be "as rusty as hell" when racing resumes in early July.

When the five red lights go out to start the Austrian Grand Prix on July 5, 217 days will have elapsed since the chequered flag fell on the 2019 season in Abu Dhabi.

Surpassing the previous record break between campaigns - 189 days separating the 1965 and '66 seasons - Hamilton expects things to be "interesting" upon the sport's return.

"We're probably going to get in the car and have Friday practice, and we're all going to be as rusty as hell!" Hamilton said in an official Mercedes video interview.

"So it will be really interesting to see how we hit the ground running. But I've been on the phone with my team, speaking to Bono [Pete Bonnington] and speaking to James [Vowles], and trying to discuss with them a plan."

Originally slated as the 11th race of the year, F1 teams will also have to adapt to complete the same task with fewer people, GPFans sources confirming that teams will be limited to just 80 members of team personnel in the paddock.

Hamilton added: "I think we all need to make sure we arrive utilising all the tools we have. Race simulations – I probably will get in the simulator, which I don't always love – but utilising those tools to make sure that when we come to that first race we hit the ground running and we're ready as if we've not missed any of the races.

"It's how can we arrive in Austria like we've already done eight races. That's a real challenge. I don't know if we're going to be able to do it, but that's a good goal to have."

Before you go...

Motorsport in the UK to restart on July 4

Russell seeking "four-wheel" test before F1 season opener

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