Feb.18 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton could not contain his smile as he smashed Sebastian Vettel's lap record on the British motoring television show Top Gear.

The 2008 world champion's existing lap of the show's test track in a Suzuki Liana, set on a wet and slippery track some years ago, was bettered by seven tenths by current world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Asked if that has irritated him, Hamilton admitted to presenter Jeremy Clarkson: "Uh huh.

"He's had the best car (in F1) for god knows how many years, and he's also (been) the quickest on top gear," said the Briton.

Hamilton's new time around the Top Gear test track - actually the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey - was 1.42.9, more than a full second quicker than German Vettel.

Clarkson called the feat "unbelievable".

Clarkson was, however, less impressed with Hamilton's move from McLaren to Mercedes, comparing it with leaving Manchester United in order to play for West Ham.

Hamilton answered: "Everyone is criticising it, but for me, I've been at McLaren since I was 13 and I want a change -- I'm a risk taker."

But the 28-year-old warned that Mercedes has "really struggled" in the past few years, and so his fans should "definitely not expect" early poles and wins in 2013.

Mercedes chairman Niki Lauda, however, told Italy's Griglia di Partenza programme that the performance of the new W04 was "not bad" at the recent Jerez test.

"We wanted Lewis Hamilton because he is a phenomenon, but we are also very pleased with Nico Rosberg.

"Now it's up to us to give them a car capable of winning."

Latest F1 News - Mobile version

26 Feb: New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali 26 Feb: Red Bull still best in 2013 - Tost 26 Feb: 2014 French grand prix 'possible' - Prost 26 Feb: Danica Patrick 'not interested' in F1 switch 26 Feb: Report - Gilles Simon working on F1 engine for Honda 26 Feb: Gutierrez plays down link to Carlos Slim 26 Feb: Caterham exhaust 'legal' insists van der Garde 26 Feb: McLaren replaces Mercedes-bound Lowe 25 Feb: 'Engine maps' trouble for Red Bull, Lotus - report 25 Feb: Mercedes-bound Lowe to miss 2013 opener - report 25 Feb: Mercedes 'in group of teams' behind Red Bull - Lauda 25 Feb: Gutierrez expects Hulkenberg to beat him early in 2013 25 Feb: New Ferrari 'much better' than 2012 - Massa 25 Feb: Teams 'will adapt' to new tyre situation - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Tight rules make today's F1 cars 'the same' - Forghieri 25 Feb: Williams removes controversial exhaust trick 25 Feb: Contract 'conflicts' cause of Marussia test snub - Razia 25 Feb: Lotus to fight Red Bull for title - Gutierrez 25 Feb: Marussia 'ahead of Caterham' - Chilton 25 Feb: Sutil will not stay in F1 as test driver The latest F1 News - Mobile Version

F1 News  F1 Schedule  F1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  F1 Tickets  Live F1 Coverage

Full Version: Formula 1 News  Formula 1 Schedule  Formula 1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  Live F1 Coverage  10 'n' Pole  F1 Regulations  The Forums  Motorsport Shop  F1 Merchandise  F1 Tickets  F1 Diecast  F1 Videos  F1 Games