Hamilton plans sleeping-habit change to recover fully from illness
Lewis Hamilton hopes to change his sleeping habits and shift to an even "healthier lifestyle" over Formula 1's summer break in a bid to recover fully from recent illness
Hamilton's participation in the German Grand Prix two weeks ago was under threat after the five-time world champion felt unwell.
He said he spent most of the time between that race and last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix sleeping in a bid to recover.
After taking his eighth win in 12 races in Hungary, Hamilton said he would use the summer break to return to 100% fitness - with addressing certain habits in mind rather than specific plans.
"I'm not very good at planning, I'm super last-minute with everything," said Hamilton.
"In the past I'd go into this break 100% fit and I could go and party for multiple days and then go into recovery and stuff.
"I'm not in that place at the moment.
"I've been fit all year but I've got to make sure I get my energy back.
"I'll spend a lot of time with my family.
"I'm a bit of a night owl, I like staying up late because I don't sleep a huge amount.
"I want to try to focus on shifting that, waking up early and seeing the sun rise wherever I am.
"I might try meditation. Just a few things, a healthier lifestyle.
"My close, good friends around me are going to be doing the same.
"I'll be doing a lot more reading. I'm excited about it!"
Hamilton jovially denied a joke he is "getting old", saying "I could still party, trust me!" but recognising that at 34 his awareness and preparation is different now.
He has previously credited his plant-based diet for affording him better health and entered the season stronger than ever.
However, Hamilton said he had been wiped out by his sickness in Germany, insisting "it's not 'man flu' like some may have said".
"I really plan this break that I have to be focused on recovery, a bit of a change in my normal break," he said.
"I said I want everyone [at Mercedes] to send me an email, be completely straight with me if you think there are things I can improve on.
"I want the second half to be even stronger than this first half, and [told the team] please just give me that, and I'll also do the same."
Share Or Save This Story
Krack: Aston Martin F1 team no longer in “no-man’s land”
Gasly rues costly floor damage from Ocon contact in F1 Japanese GP
How an F1 underachiever became a Japanese political player
Hamilton keeps British GP podium after escaping yellow-flag sanction
Hamilton summoned after F1 British GP, expects to lose podium
How building harmony at Ferrari has raised the prospect of a 10th home victory for Hamilton
Healey horde entertains at Donington Park Equipe event
How IndyCar's shock silly season twist overshadowed O'Ward's return to victory lane
The Smiths are headline act again as Jochen Rindt Trophy entertains at Thruxton Retro
Wolff: I wish Abu Dhabi 2021 had been handled like the F1 British GP
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments