GreenBkk Formula 1 | Hamilton fighting fit thanks to new full-time trainer

Hamilton fighting fit thanks to new full-time trainer

The strength and stamina required to withstand the rigours of Formula One racing means drivers get to enjoy very little festive indulgence over the Christmas period. But for McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton the winter break has been even tougher, thanks to his new full-time trainer Antti Vierula, who has been putting Hamilton through all sorts of paces in the mountains of Colorado.

Vierula devised a specially-tailored training plan for the British driver whilst they were in America which included snow-hiking, cross-country skiing and gym workouts. The Finn will continue to work closely with the 2008 world champion over the course of the coming season, coordinating his fitness programme and diet to ensure he’s in peak physical shape during his 2011 campaign.

“We’re committed to building a team with incredible strength in depth in every department,” explained McLaren Racing managing director Jonathan Neale. “By appointing Antti Vierula to oversee Lewis’s trackside fitness regime and Clayton Green to a senior position within our Human High Performance programme at the McLaren Technology Centre, we’re convinced that we’ve assembled the most experienced, capable and committed team to oversee Lewis’s training requirements."

Not to be outdone, Hamilton’s team mate Jenson Button has been just as busy over the winter off-season. Aside from competing in a triathlon in Australia and a duathlon at home in Guernsey, Button journeyed to Hawaii for an extended training break.

Swimming and cycling dominated his time on the Pacific island, but the British driver’s training was enlivened after a chance encounter led to him cycling with seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

Hamilton and Button have both now returned to the UK and took part in a training camp with the rest of the McLaren team on Tuesday. They are both expected to be in action at the test at the Spanish circuit of Valencia from February 1-3 in an interim McLaren, ahead of the new MP4-26's launch in Germany on February 4.

Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)