Hamilton: Mercedes should be a lot further ahead in title battle

Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and George Russell "should be a lot further ahead" of him than they are in the Drivers' Championship.

Antonelli leads Russell by 25 points at the top of the standings with Ferrari's Hamilton just seven points further back than his former team-mate.

Mercedes have clearly had the fastest car for much of the season but have been hit by reliability issues, which along with a few other factors have allowed Hamilton to remain in striking distance as the season approaches its halfway stage.

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Ahead of a final double-header before the summer break gets under way in Belgium this weekend, Hamilton was asked about the relative tightness of the standings.

The seven-time world champion said: "I mean, I don't really look at it much. I don't think about it. I don't think it's particularly relevant.

"I mean, it's great that we're all close when really Mercedes have been the strongest team and they should be a lot further ahead.

"So, that's exciting for the rest of the year, hopefully."

While Antonelli and Russell have each failed to score points at two grands prix, Hamilton has yet to finish outside the top six and has picked up four podiums in his last five races, including a first victory for Ferrari in Barcelona.

Strong reliability has also enabled Ferrari to stay in touch with Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, which the Silver Arrows lead by 78 points.

Asked whether Ferrari's reliability could prove to be the difference in the battle for titles, Hamilton added: "I hope so. Often in championships, that is the case.

"And that's really down to the amazing work the team's done in really building us a reliable car.

"That's no easy feat, to build a fast and reliable car, so I'm very grateful to them for that.

"And then, just trying my best to extract everything in every single lap, and every single point I can out in the car."

Hamilton 'gutted' for England after World Cup exit

Hamilton had been showing support for England's football team throughout the World Cup on social media, and admitted he was "gutted" after watching their heartbreaking defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 if he could give the nation a boost by winning at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, Hamilton replied: "I think it will be tough this weekend, but, yeah, I watched in pain last night.

"So proud of the boys for getting us as far as they did. I can imagine how much work they put in, how much time and effort, and, of course, they had all the support, but, yeah, tough against Argentina.

"Oh, my God. And I just felt gutted for them. Sitting there with my fingers, everything crossed, hoping that we would pull it off, but we'll bounce back.

"And in terms of us (Ferrari) this weekend, I really have no idea. I mean, I come here to try and win, that's for sure."

Sky Sports F1's Belgian GP schedule

Friday July 17
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Belgian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
2pm: F3 Qualifying
2.55pm: F2 Qualifying
3.30pm: Belgian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show

Saturday July 18
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Belgian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.15pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Belgian GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: BELGIAN GP QUALIFYING*

Sunday July 19
7.30am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
10.45am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Belgian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
2pm: THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Belgian GP reaction: Chequered Flag

*Also on Sky Sports Main Event

Formula 1's summer run continues with the Belgian Grand Prix at legendary Spa-Francorchamps this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime