Nico Rosberg backs Hamilton to land his sixth world title: Wolff insists Hamilton in best ever shape

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton is in the best physical and mental state he has seen, with the whole team "motivated" to stay ahead of the F1 pack and make history. "The weight regulations have been lifted and he came back stronger and musclier than before," said Wolff. "He's in a super mental state, the best I've seen so far. He looks physically and mentally in shape - half an hour before the session started he was all ready to go." Lewis Hamilton says that the New Mercedes W10 feels quite a bit different compared to its 2018 Formula 1 car after the opening day of pre-season testing in Barcelona. “It's good to be back in the car and it’s great to see the car is running as smoothly at it is,” said Hamilton. “It feels quite a bit different compared to last year and we're now getting to know it, trying to understand the balance and trying to understand the characteristics we're working with. “It's been a positive first day, we got through our running plan and there’s lots for us to learn about the new car which we will be working on.” Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg has tipped former Mercedes team-mate  to scoop a sixth Formula One world title this year - although he believes some subtle regulation changes could lead to a few surprises "Lewis is the absolute favourite again because he's driving incredibly lately and his team does an incredible job," Rosberg said. "He's one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, one of the most successful sportsmen of all time. I think the odds are in his favour then Sebastian is the obvious challenger. But I would also, if I was a betting man, say Leclerc or Verstappen because I think both of them can be a big, big surprise this year."  

Hamilton expecting a titanic battle for this year’s World Title