CHARIOT OF FIRE

Lew blazing trail again

- DANIEL MOXON

LEWIS HAMILTON said securing his first podium of the year in Barcelona has relit the "fire" in his belly after a dismal start to the season.

The seven-time F1 champion is suffering the worst year of his career and sits eighth in the drivers' standings.

After the first eight races of the season, the best Grand Prix result he had to show for his efforts was sixth place.

But then he finished fourth in Canada earlier this month after Mercedes upgraded their cars (right), and he followed that up with a third-place finish and a first podium in 12 attempts last weekend in Spain.