Hamilton dismisses 'easiest year' suggestions: "It's been the hardest year for us"

Mercedes broke the record for most consecutive one-twos to start the season as they had five in a row, with Hamilton winning three and teammate Valtteri Bottas two to start the season.

Hamilton won four races in a row between Spain and France and won eight by the time we reached the summer break, although Mercedes and the world of F1 stopped in its tracks in the week of the Monaco Grand Prix when the great Niki Lauda passed. Lauda played an essential part for the Silver Arrows.

"No way has it been the easiest," the 34-year-old Hamilton responded when his recently won championship was put into question.

"It's been the hardest year for us and the team. We lost Niki this year, a crucial and pivotal member of this team. The emotional rollercoaster that we've been on with losing him, and I didn't have Bono here for a race.

"Outside of the car, just trying to remain focused throughout the year, that is the toughest - and I guess only other athletes at the top of their game can relate to it properly. To arrive weekend in, weekend out, can't drop the ball like I did yesterday for example, and being able to bounce back from the lower days."

After the summer break, Ferrari came out of the blocks superbly, getting five pole positions in a row while grabbing three wins as well. Still, Mercedes rallied and bounced back by winning four in a row from Russia onwards.

"This car has not been easy for us. We started the season going to Melbourne thinking we were going to be behind. At the midpoint of the season we were behind, it's been a real challenge this second half of the season. I think it's the toughest second half of the season that we've had as a team, fighting against Ferrari and Red Bull. We welcome that."