Lewis Hamilton Beats Sebastian Vettel's Laptime On Top Gear

On Top Gear (Series 19, Episode 4), Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton has set the fastest lap time around the Top Gear race track, beating Sebastian Vettel, Rubens Barrichello, Nigel Mansell and the Stig. The 28 year old, who made his last appearance on the show six years ago, was poised to take over the number one spot on the F1 leader board from his German Red Bull Racing rival, who had set a laptime of 1.44.0 minutes.

Behind the wheel of the reasonably priced Suzuki Liana, Hamilton managed to set a laptime of 1.42.9 minutes, jumping from fifth to first position. In his previous attempt, the former McLaren driver clocked a time of 1.44.7 minutes, but was set in the wet.

On the show, Hamilton also spoke about his move to Mercedes, saying he wanted to emulate Michael Schumacher, who won five consecutive F1 Drivers titles with Ferrari. With Mercedes having won only one Grand Prix since it returned to F1 in 2010, Hamilton is sure his new team is currently heading in the right direction, hoping to challenge at the front in the upcoming season.

Whatsup everyone! Thank you for the messages & thanks to top gear for having me. Was a blast!
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 18, 2013

Well done @lewishamilton for that amazing 1.42.9!! Top of the @bbc_topgear F1 driver's timesheet! #TopGear
— MERCEDES AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 17 februari 2013

US Men's journal pic twitter.com/LewisHamilton/…
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 17 februari 2013

"As long as I got my suit & tie" twitter.com/LewisHamilton/…
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 17 februari 2013