Lewis Hamilton experimented with offseason training to adapt to F1's new rider weight rules and said he had never been in such amazing shape.
In 2018, Hamilton said he would become a "different athlete" in 2019, after the royal races determined the minimum weight of a rider at 80 kilograms. This allows riders not to go on diets and gain some muscle mass, which is what Hamilton did in the offseason.
Hamilton, in response to a question from a Motorsport.com reporter about his physical condition, said: “I have met the limits, so everything is fine. Fundamental things don't change before each season. We strive for the same goal from year to year. It's good that we raised this weight bar, because it allowed us to pay attention to other aspects of training. This is an interesting challenge. Each season, at the time of returning to training, is quite painful for the body. But to try different methods - for the first time I worked with several coaches on different programs and it was very interesting. All this work will be rewarded a hundredfold during the season. I have become physically stronger and today I feel stronger than ever."
Hamilton tried his hand at surfing and martial arts in the winter, and also worked closely with various athletes and coaches. And the diet of the five-time champion was monitored by several vegetarian nutritionists.
According to Lewis, his weight still fluctuates within certain limits - depending on the load.
He said: “Fat mass is decreasing, which is good. I would like to have more effective and relief muscles. I'm not trying to become a superhero Hulk. It takes a long time to build muscle properly. It's good that I can now eat as much as I want and take large portions. When I got behind the wheel on Monday for testing, I was pretty heavy. By Wednesday morning, my weight had dropped, and I was able to lose a few pounds. Such fluctuations will continue for several weeks. I enjoy training more than ever. It's good that we managed to make them more interesting, to introduce new elements. This is what I'm trying to do."
Hamilton switched to a plant-based diet two years ago. According to him, this, among other things, helped him become the champion in 2017 and 2018.
According to him, the new rules regarding rider weight will help pilots become more balanced.
“We had to maintain a certain weight, and it was not very healthy. We had to give up meat and other things to meet the limit. Now it will be easier for the riders. You can get healthier. I myself feel healthier and stronger than I have ever felt in the last 12 years. Now you can eat more and thus sleep better, getting more energy. Therefore, I am more satisfied than before."
