Hamilton cool on Hungary hat-trick bid
Lewis Hamilton could become the first British driver for more than a decade to win three successive Grands Prix this weekend in Hungary – but the Stevenage racer insists he is not bothered.
Back-to-back wins at Silverstone and Hockenheim have hoisted Hamilton to the top of the drivers’ championship, with a four-point lead over Ferrari’s Felipe Massa. But the 23- year-old reacted with surprise and indifference when told he could become the first Briton for 12 years to complete a hat trick of wins on Sunday.
“Really? I didn’t know that,” said Hamilton. “That is of no importance to me. I would like to continue with the momentum I had, but it would be nice to score some more points this weekend.
“That is our aim – to score as many points as we can. And if we’ve got the car to win, we will try and do that.” Hamilton won last year at the
Hungaroring, but the race was more memorable for a qualifying row with team-mate Fernando Alonso.
That tension reverberated for the rest of the year, contributing to Hamilton being pipped to the title on the final day, and he admits the team is far more at ease this season.
“Well, we are just having a much smoother year and it is a lot more relaxed,” he added. “We don’t have any excess baggage on our team, and no stress like that. We have the excitement of working hard to improve the car and to score points. That is where everyone wants to be.”
McLaren confirmed yesterday that Heikki Kovalainen will continue as Hamilton’s team-mate next season. The Englishman said: “The atmosphere at the team is fantastic, and a lot of that is due to Heikki and us being able to work together.”