Hamilton prepping for 'most difficult F1 season' ever

©Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton says Formula 1 is on the verge of experiencing the "most difficult season" in its history due to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Formula 1's disrupted 2020 campaign will finally kick off next week in Austria after a four-month forced hiatus and the cancellation of the first ten rounds of the F1 world championship.

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Teams are gearing up for a busy summer in Europe with eight confirmed events, but also for a series of race weekends that will take place under a COVID-19 regime that will include stringent safety and hygiene protocols in the paddock and in each team's garage.

"We are preparing in the best way we can for what is going to be the most difficult season that F1 has experienced with the difficult times that we are facing and the changes we have to make to operate," Hamilton said in a short video released by Mercedes on social media.

“I wanted to thank you all for all the positive messages, they’ve really helped over the last couple of months for the team and I."

©Mercedes

Fans will be watching from afar this summer as all races will be run behind closed gates, a restriction Hamilton says will certainly induce a sense of loneliness for drivers.

"We’re going to miss you at the races, and I’m going to miss you," de said;

"Driving past empty stands is just not going to be too inspiring, it’s going to be quite lonely.

"But we will know that you guys are still there with us in spirit. Please keep your fingers crossed for us and stay positive."

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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.