Hamilton recharged for 2018 after 'best' off-season

Lewis Hamilton says he feels more refreshed than ever before heading into the 2018 season. The Mercedes star won a fourth world crown last season after a thrilling battle with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and already looks well set for another title fight.

Vettel's meltdown between Singapore and Malaysia last year handed the title to Hamilton, who has already said he hopes to beat an improved Ferrari in 2018.

Hamilton's lifestyle often raises eyebrows as he combnes his racing career with a jet-set lifestyle, which frequently sees him flying across the world.

But he says he has kept things low-key heading into the new campaign, which could see him and Vettel pitched in a battle to win their fifth world title respectively.

Asked to describe his off-season, Hamilton said: "It was recovery, because if you saw my schedule you would be super shocked that I do what I do with the schedule that I have, which I've partly created for myself but also my team.

?? @TommyHilfiger pic.twitter.com/1paRdQoBTc — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 26, 2018

"So it was really just recharging. I really needed to recharge and I had the best period - probably the longest period that I'd have for a long, long time.

"As long as I can remember to be honest.

"It was much-needed but also meant that I had extra time to prepare and get ready. I'm super fresh, I feel great. That's a good thing."