Lewis Hamilton may just be about to clinch a fourth F1 World Championship, but that didn’t seem to be at the forefront of his mind on Friday evening.
Hamilton could win this season’s drivers’ championship in Mexico City on Sunday, with two races to spare.
But after finishing second in practice to Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, he posted a picture of himself with baby lions on his Instagram.
Lewis Hamilton posted this picture of him and baby lions on his Instagram on Friday night
His 5.1million followers is pictured in his Mercedes gear as he gently strokes on of the animals.
‘My bro Eddy is always so gracious as to welcome me into his home and to the kids,’ Hamilton captioned the image.
‘Love what you do for these beautiful creatures, you know I love them too. God Bless you #blueenergy #lion #healtheworld #mexico#.’
Hamilton ensured Mercedes dominated Friday by running second quickest in practice
The three-time world champion has been in a relaxed mood throughout the last week
| DRIVER | TEAM | WINS | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 9 | 331 |
| 2. Sebastian Vettel | Ferrari | 4 | 265 |
| 3. Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | 2 | 244 |
| 4. Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull | 1 | 192 |
| 5. Kimi Raikkonen | Ferrari | 0 | 163 |
| 6. Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1 | 123 |
It is clear from his comments this past week just how relaxed he is going into Sunday’s race.
He has already said his experience of winning three world titles before has helped keep him calm – even if that includes preparation such as posing with baby lions.
He said: ‘I’m always changing things, adding things. Eventually you learn about yourself, what you like, what you can and cannot take on to continue to perform at your best.
‘Racing is my priority and I have got to make sure whatever I do outside the championship complements that. So bit by bit, trial and error, I add things into my life.’
Valtteri Bottas was fastest for Mercedes during first practice for the Mexican Grand Prix
