Hamilton "fully transformed" by F1 summer break

Lewis Hamilton feels "fully transformed" by his African break during F1's summer shutdown.

The seven-time champion has failed to secure a win before the break for the first time in his career - not including 2020 when the rest period was abolished due to the late start during the Covid pandemic.

Mercedes has struggled to get to grips with the new technical regulations this season with its zero-pod concept initially proving difficult to manage as Ferrari and Red Bull pulled away at the front.

But at recent races, the Silver Arrows rediscovered some of its championship-winning form with a run of six consecutive podiums, including two consecutive double-podiums.

The break has provided Hamilton with a chance to regroup after a relentless schedule, with a trip to Africa his choice of rest and recuperation.

In an Instagram post, the British driver said: "These past two weeks have been some of the best days of my entire life.

"I’m not the same man I was before this trip, all the beauty, love, and peacefulness I experienced has me feeling fully transformed.

"No amount of photos could capture how I’m feeling now and what I’m trying to say. Just know, where words fall short emotions run deep.

"I connected with my roots and my history and I feel my ancestors with me now stronger than I ever have before.

"Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania thank you. To the people here, the nature and the wildlife thank you.

"We were welcomed to each beautiful place we visited. We were treated like family.

"To my brothers who joined me on this journey, thank you. I know we’ll be talking about this forever."

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A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

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