SIC remains my most challenging race track - Hamilton

KUALA LUMPUR: Seven-time Formula One (F1) world champion Lewis Hamilton admits the iconic Sepang International Circuit (SIC) remains the most challenging race track in his career to date and hopes to get back to racing there.

The 37-year-old Briton said the SIC is an exciting circuit and always promises an epic race during the prestigious Malaysian F1 Grand Prix (GP).

However, Hamilton who won the only title at the SIC in the 2014 season said the factor of racing in the heat during mid-day provides challenges from a physical aspect, besides the unpredictable weather which results in the 5.543 kilometres (km) long circuit promising a strenuous race.

"I remember my first race here in 2007, I think I finished second (and) that was my second podium in my career. I lost over 4 kilograms (kg) in that race, I just remembered how hard it was when getting out of the car,"

"The following years we had different experiences, not just being so hot but then also the rain came, sometimes when it rains it really rains. I'm sad that we can't get to use that track anymore but I heard it is still used for Moto GP...but hope one day we can do it again and we'll come back," he said during the Petronas and Mercedes-AMG F1 Team press conference here, yesterday.

The last time the Malaysian GP was organised was back in 2017 since the government had decided to part ways after playing host for 19 glorious years.

Meanwhile, Hamilton did not see it as "a dry spell" or "end of the world" if he fails to win a single race this season.

"I do not look at it as a dry spell....I feel this year has been a year of growth...there are six races (left) so there are six opportunities and we will try to get a win, but if we do not do well, I do not think it is the end of the world. We will get back to the top," he said.

Hamilton has six races left to end his dry spell and maintain the record for the most consecutive seasons in F1 with at least one GP victory, which he currently shares with legend and fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton is currently sixth in the drivers' standings with 168 points while Red Bull Racing RBPT' Max Verstappen is on the verge of a second world title if the 24-year-old Dutchman wins the Singapore GP this weekend.

-- BERNAMA