Hamilton’s Mercedes has a technical problem but the British driver has no issues, despite losing his title to Max Verstappen
The sporting greats operate on a different plane, not only of performance but of personality. Lewis Hamilton has never been more demonstrably of this pantheon. As suitably ominous winds swept across the desert surrounding the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday before Formula One’s season-opening race, Hamilton was preternaturally calm before the storm.
Buffeted by the blows of disappointment from last year’s finale and now about to begin the season on the back foot, Hamilton cut a remarkably relaxed, composed figure in the paddock. Yet there is a very singular resolution to his character of which his rivals should be very concerned. Hamilton is at his absolute best when coming back from adversity.