Lewis: This season has been my biggest test

25 August 2016 - 09:41 By DANIEL JOHNSON

Lewis Hamilton says winning the world championship this year would mean more than his previous three titles, because a litany of mechanical problems and his intense rivalry with Nico Rosberg have turned this season into his biggest challenge. Heading into this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix after Formula 1's summer break, Hamilton holds a 19-point lead over Rosberg, having trailed his teammate by 43 points after five races. Given that Hamilton will have to take a grid penalty in at least one of the next two races - most likely in Italy on September 4 - for exceeding his limit of five engines, the lead is precarious.The 31-year-old finally managed to turn his season around with a run of six wins in seven races before the summer shutdown, after a series of mechanical problems in the opening four grands prix. Hamilton has also had to contend with two collisions with his Mercedes teammate.Asked if this, a fourth title, would mean more, given the problems he has faced, Hamilton replied: "I think it will. All race wins feel different for a different reason."Every title I've won I seem to enjoy it more. Winning those titles has always been a different journey. If I get to where I want to be at the end of this journey then it's going to feel as good, if not greater than ever before."Hamilton has spent the summer break sticking to his usual frenetic lifestyle, travelling to the Caribbean twice, to Mexico and to the UK for the V Festival last weekend. Rosberg is thought to have spent the break with his wife Vivian and their baby daughter Alaïa.For Rosberg the break is likely to have been invaluable, as he has been so much on the back foot in the past couple of months. Since winning the first four races, and making it seven in a row, his championship charge has stalled badly.©The Daily Telegraph..

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