• World champion Lewis Hamilton has used social media to speak out about racism. AFP
    World champion Lewis Hamilton has used social media to speak out about racism. AFP
  • Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning last season's Abu Dhabi GP. Reuters
    Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning last season's Abu Dhabi GP. Reuters
  • The new Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton will be driving next season. PA
    The new Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton will be driving next season. PA
  • The new Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton will be driving next season. PA
    The new Mercedes car Lewis Hamilton will be driving next season. PA
  • Lewis Hamilton, right, and Max Verstappen. PA
    Lewis Hamilton, right, and Max Verstappen. PA
  • Lewis Hamilton leads the field at the start of last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National
    Lewis Hamilton leads the field at the start of last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National
  • Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the line to win last season's Abu Dhabi GP. AP
    Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the line to win last season's Abu Dhabi GP. AP
  • Lewis Hamilton after winning last season's Abu Dhabi GP. Victor Besa / The National
    Lewis Hamilton after winning last season's Abu Dhabi GP. Victor Besa / The National
  • Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas with the Mercedes team ahead of the 2019 Abu Dhabi GP. Reuters
    Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas with the Mercedes team ahead of the 2019 Abu Dhabi GP. Reuters
  • Lewis Hamilton celebrates after clinching the title last season. AFP
    Lewis Hamilton celebrates after clinching the title last season. AFP
  • Lewis Hamilton celebrates at Silverstone after winning the British GP last season. Reuters
    Lewis Hamilton celebrates at Silverstone after winning the British GP last season. Reuters
  • Lewis Hamilton celebrates at Silverstone last season. PA
    Lewis Hamilton celebrates at Silverstone last season. PA
  • Lewis Hamilton after securing his fifth title in 2018. PA
    Lewis Hamilton after securing his fifth title in 2018. PA

Lewis Hamilton says Formula One lockdown has left a 'big void' in his life


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Six-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has said he misses competing every day and the lack of races this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic had left a "big void" in his life.

The French Grand Prix at Le Castellet in June was cancelled on Monday, becoming the 10th race to be affected by the outbreak in what was to have been a record 22-round season.

Formula One hopes to begin its delayed season in Austria in July without spectators before ending in Abu Dhabi in December after races in Asia and the Americas.

"I miss racing every day. This is the first time since I was eight that I haven't started a season. When you live and breathe something you love, there's definitely a big void," the Mercedes driver said on social media.

The 35-year-old Briton, who has adopted a vegan lifestyle and is outspoken about environmental issues, said there were some positives to take from the crisis as people reflect on their lives, decisions, goals and careers.

"Today, we see clearer skies all over the world, less animals being slaughtered for our pleasure simply because our demands are much lower and everyone staying in," he added.

"Let's not come back the same as we went into this tough time, let's come out of it with better knowledge of our world, changing our personal choices and habits."

"Let's come out of this as a new us... fitter, healthier and more focused but above all, kinder, more generous and gracious and caring for our world and the people in it."