“We know from Friday to Saturday that Mercedes turns the engine up,” the German said. “It is not just Mercedes. If you look at Williams on Friday versus Sunday there is also a massive step.”

And even on Friday, although Hamilton was outpaced by both Ferraris, the Briton’s teammate Nico Rosberg maintained his recent grip on the top position.

Bernie Ecclestone hopes he can keep it up.

“It is up to Nico to save this championship,” the F1 supremo told the Times newspaper. “We need him to keep things alive.”

So maybe Ecclestone will be hoping Hamilton’s ‘rock star’ lifestyle will help too, as many have been questioning whether the world champion’s full focus is on F1.

“I get energy from all these things that I do. It doesn’t take energy from me,” Hamilton insisted, when asked about the criticism.

“My 20s went by really quick and I’m trying to make sure I do as much as I can, within my limits, in terms of energy and training and while performing. As long as I keep it balanced, why not?” he added.