11 April 2023 , 09:48
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Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have contrasting perspectives on F1's enforced break as both drivers take time to reflect on a chaotic start to the season.
The cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix due to covid restrictions has given drivers a unique four-week break from the track after just three action-packed races.
Verstappen survived danger in a controversial and hectic race in Australia to take a 15-point advantage at the top of the Driver Standings before the early extended pause.
The indomitable Dutchman only has his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez as a realistic title challenger as he targets a third successive world crown.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton, meanwhile, looked revitalised following his second placed finish in Melbourne after a chastening start to the campaign.
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Verstappen is already in a comfortable position with the seemingly unmatchable pace of his searing Red Bull leaving few causes for concern before his return at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Baku's street circuit on April 30.
But the 25-year-old has welcomed a recuperating period after an illness that left him feeling like he was "missing a lung" before the second race in Saudi Arabia.
"It's a bit weird to have three weeks off, especially that early in the season," Verstappen told Sky Sports before his first victory Down Under.
"A couple of weeks ago I would say that I was not looking forward to it but then I got really ill, and I've been struggling a bit since that time.
Verstappen has welcomed the time to recuperate (Getty Images)"So, for me now, these three weeks is just getting back to full fitness, getting a full programme in. In a way, it's probably nice now. Normally, if you just feel well, I think I would also prefer to keep racing."
A four-week break is usually reserved for midway through the season, and many teams will see be desperate to take advantage of a rare early opportunity to boost the performance of their cars in a bid to close the gap on runaway leaders Red Bull.
Mercedes have crucial time back in the factory to work on their new package of upgrades, which will not be seen before the Imola race weekend from May 19-21.
The Silver Arrows enjoyed an uplifting race in Australia, and, like rivals Ferrari and Aston Martin, will use their extra wind-tunnel time over Red Bull to find an edge as they look to build momentum ahead of the restart in Baku.
Hamilton wishes he could just keep racing (Getty Images)Hamilton, who previously vented his frustration at Mercedes for ignoring him over his underperforming car's development, welcomes the team's chance to focus on upgrades.
But the legendary Briton shares Fernando Alonso's view that he wishes he could just keep racing, and he was unsure how he would spend his time away from the paddock.
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"Honestly, I don't think I need a mental break at the moment - I feel pretty good," he said. "Particularly around August is that time where you can have downtime."
He added: "I wish we were racing personally but I'll try and make the best use of it - I haven't figured out what I'm going to do throughout the whole time. But, it'll mostly be training and keeping busy."