Hamilton 'facing biggest challenge'

Lewis Hamilton feels he faces the hardest challenge of his career to help McLaren again become world title contenders.

Against the odds, the reigning world champion clinched third place in yesterday’s Australian Grand Prix in a car he has revealed is the hardest he has ever driven.

From 18th on Melbourne’s Albert Park grid, Hamilton was given a helping hand as three accidents during a dramatic season-opener accounted for four of his rivals, whilst Jarno Trulli was handed a 25-second penalty after the race.

But on the other side of the coin, there was Hamilton’s undoubted talent as he produced a masterclass to underline just why he is defending world champion, conjuring up a number of memorable overtaking manoeuvres.

The fact it was in one of the worst designed McLarens to take to a circuit gives you some idea of just how well Hamilton performed.

But these are tough times, potentially worse for Hamilton than anything he has previously endured over the past two years in F1.

“Every year gets harder and I would say right now is the biggest challenge for myself, and also for the team,” said Hamilton.