Sunday's French GP delayed to 3.10pm start to avoid World Cup clash; But pole-sitter Hamilton admits he won't be able to avoid England tie during France build-up!
Tuesday 11 December 2018 11:22, UK
Lewis Hamilton has joined the hordes of England fans dreaming of World Cup glory for the team this summer - even if their campaign is likely to disrupt his preparations for Sunday's French GP.
Today's race, exclusively live on Sky Sports F1, has been moved back to a start time of 3.10pm in order not to clash with England's World Cup group match earlier on Sunday afternoon.
Hamilton on pole for French GP
Lewis relieved but puzzled
But Hamilton knows he will be unable to avoid the match as he and his Mercedes team prepare for the race at the Paul Ricard circuit where he starts on pole position.
"It's going to be a little harder to focus on the race because we will be watching," said Hamilton. "The game will be on in TV here and l am sure my guys will try to keep an eye on both things at the same time - as will l.
"Naturally, every time this championship comes around you hope for something special to happen for England. In my lifetime it's not been great for us. But we have a good team and England deserve at some time to win the World Cup [again].
"And it's exciting to watch. Every time l was driving around at home last week the games were on everywhere. "
What chance an English sporting double?
With the England football team hot favourites to secure progression to the Round of 16 at the World Cup against Panama, the country's only current F1 driver is also odds-on to win his own international content in Sunday's grand prix.
Hamilton heads the second first all-Mercedes front-row of the season at Paul Ricard, just a fortnight after the world champions were humbled by Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari in Montreal.
"I think we have made progress in the last weeks," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
"Better understanding our weaknesses and understanding where we were strong. You have seen that on Friday and we have been able to maintain the gaps to Saturday. In so far I see a positive performance trend in the Mercedes F1 team."
But, while teams arrived at the French circuit on Sunday morning under sunny skies, the afternoon forecasts are again more uncertain.
"The weather is a little bit of a question mark," added Wolff. "We saw how quickly it can swing. The F2 race provided a lot of drama and opportunity. I don't think there are going to be many variances of strategy."
