High rev! - Hamilton looking to turn on pressure after F1 break

LONDON, (CMC):

Despite holding a sizeable 24-point lead in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championships, four-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has promised to "come back stronger" in the second half of the season.

Formula 1 is presently on a four-week break before an intense period of nine races in three months, starting in Belgium on August 24, brings the season to a conclusion.

Hamilton, whose paternal grandparents are from Grenada, won the Hungarian Grand Prix to open up a 24-point lead over second-placed Sebastian Vettel.

The 33-year-old Mercedes driver has insisted that he will turn up the heat once the season restarts.

"The second half of the season is always intense, but it is usually when it gets a bit better on our side. So, we will go away and prepare and make sure we come back stronger," Hamilton said.

Describing the first 12 races of the season as"'epic", the Briton, who has won five of those races, said it was too early to focus on capturing his fifth world title.

"It is far too early. You have seen the ups and downs we have had. [We've] been ahead, then behind, then ahead. I don't believe there is ever a moment you have got your hands on the trophy," Hamilton said.

However, Vettel has said he believes Ferrari can mount a serious challenge to Mercedes in the remaining races.