Hamilton fires first warning shot to rivals!

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Lewis Hamilton has already delivered some potentially sinister news to his rivals, the Mercedes driver warning that 2019 "can be even better" than last year.

Hamilton conquered his fifth world title last season, leaving arch-rival Sebastian Vettel in his dust after the summer to rake in a total of eleven race wins.

And Formula 1's biggest star is hoping he's on the eve of another banner year.

Launch Gallery: Mercedes-AMG F1 W10 in action

"2018 was a great year, but I feel like 2019 can be even better," he said before shaking down his new W10 Mercedes Silver Arrow.

"I want to achieve more, I want to continue to keep pushing. I feel energised and I am ready to attack.

"I’m really looking forward to the next step of our journey together with Mercedes and embarking on what’s not been done before," he added.

"This is my seventh year with the team and the energy and the determination within the team are really inspiring."

Hamilton enjoyed a lengthy period of down time over the winter, spending time with family and friends and indulging in multiple sporting activities.

"I had a great Christmas with my family and then I went snowmobiling, I went skiing, I went surfing with Kelly Slater, which was amazing," he said.

"I completely switched off from racing for a while, trying to focus and re-centre myself and training hard for the new season."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.