Hamilton 'the machine' fires warning shot to rivals

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Lewis Hamilton is buffing up his mind and body for 2020, the six-time world champion warning his rivals to expect to be battling "a machine" this year.

After completing his most successful campaign to date in 2019, with 11 wins a record 413 points, Hamilton will head off into the 2020 season determined to equal the seven-title tally of F1 legend Michael Schumacher.

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The Mercedes driver and 84-time Grand Prix winner fired a warning shot to his rivals on Instagram with a message that reflects his steely and single-minded determination.

"I am at peace when I’m here, can focus and build my mind and body so that I can come back year on year," wrote Hamilton, who turned 35 last week.

"I’m going to be a machine this year, on another level than ever before! Spread love and positivity everywhere we go".

As driven as he intends to be to capture his seventh crown, Hamilton will have a few worthy rivals to contend with starting, with Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas who is set on giving the Briton a run for his money all season long.

But further up the pitlane, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Max Verstappen are equally determined to challenge the Briton with all the bravery of their youth and talent, while a resolute Sebastian Vettel will also buckle down to try and defeat his arch rival in what could be the German's swansong season in the sport.

However, "the machine" is ready. Bring it on!

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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.