Lewis Hamilton 'relaxed' as winning F1 title is not in his hands
Lewis Hamilton made some interesting observations on his state of mind ahead of this weekend’s crucial encounter in Mexico.
Hamilton insisted that he is relaxed as he knows that the destiny of the World Championship is ultimately out of his control. He added that his driving would have to be the “best it’s ever been” if he is to win the 2016 title.
“I approach it the same as I approach every race,” said Hamilton. “Maybe slightly more relaxed than I have others maybe, because I’ve accepted that there are things that are out of my powers, out of my control. All I can do is control what’s in the car and what I do. So long as I focus and put all my energy towards that, hopefully I can get results as I did last weekend. But if I don’t, then you move forward.
“I don’t think I’ll be taking more risks than I usually do. I think I’m a relatively risky driver, but I don’t think I will be taking more than others. I will definitely be cautious of my surroundings, as I always am. I’m going for it, that’s for sure. While my heart’s still beating, I still have that drive to win, and there’s still an opportunity, even if it’s only one percent, I’m going to be going for it.
“Obviously I have to win all the races, but I’ve known that since the last race. People can interpret it any way they want, but I know that I’ve got to win, and I’m just going to try and do the best job, do everything I can in terms of getting in my car and qualifying and driving, time on the track, and really trying to apply everything I’ve learned all over these years. If there’s any time for me to be the best I’ve ever been, it’s these last three races.”
In Austin, Hamilton admitted that he’d been listening to the engine, wary of something going wrong, and he says that will still be the case.
“That will happen until we cross the flag in Abu Dhabi. I have a feeling it will happen more often, because I’m on my eighth engine, and I’ve experienced a lot more than the other side has had to this year. I’m confident that everyone is doing everything they can...
“The guys are working so hard to make sure nothing happens, moving forward, but again there are things that are just out of our hands. Often this year there are things that are just out of our control that have happened, and the most important thing is that we have learned from them and grown from them, and will continue to do so.”
Asked about how he paced himself while leading in Austin, he said: “It is about doing what you have to do. I was pretty far ahead at one stage, but toward the end I didn’t have to keep setting lap records to win the race, and I am in a position where gearbox or engine goes, that is it. If I happen to be in that position again it’s about being smart and strategic, it’s about strategy.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton had an interesting take on Nico Rosberg’s assertion that he is taking things one race at a time.
“I think that’s just obviously a tactic that he’s taken on board this year, that’s obviously what helps him stay focused on the job at hand. Different people have different ways of dealing with pressure. Obviously there is pressure there, and that’s just how he’s handling it.”
