Formula One news

Hamilton eyeing return to winning ways

Lewis Hamilton has denied suggestions that he should adopt a conservative approach to defend his lead in the drivers' championship. With less than half the season remaining, the 22-year-old is 12 points clear in the standings and would be forgiven for safeguarding his position to scoop a record title.

However, F1's most consistent performer is refusing to just let his reliable MP4-22 pick up the points and is determined to keep gunning for more victories.

"Of course we have to bear in mind that we have to try and finish every race and maintain the level if we can," said last year's GP2 series champion. "But that doesn't mean that we will slacken off. We are going to keep on pushing hard to beat everyone. That is how we have been all season.

"Yes we go into the race thinking 'ok, we need the points.' But we want to win, so it is a balance but I don't think it is difficult."

By his own remarkable standards, Hamilton's last two results - third places - have been average for the man who has finished on the podium in nine out of nine grands prix so far this season. At the Nurburgring this weekend, Hamilton is particularly hoping to turn around his last performance at the British Grand Prix where the Briton was outshone by his team-mate Fernando Alonso.

"I expect it to be better," Hamilton revealed. "We went down a certain route… You only have P1, P2, P3 and it's not a lot of time to find the perfect set-up. Sometimes you go down one route and its too late to go back to another one, you don't have enough time so you continue with that and hope it is good enough. We didn't have the right set-up for once at Silverstone.

"Going into this weekend we understand where we went wrong, we think we come here a bit stronger."

more news

• 09 Jan.
  • New Renault fails FIA crash test
  • Toro Rosso confirm Buemi
  • Technical reshuffle at Red Bull
  • Klien still optimistic of race seat
  • Kubica named Polish sports personality of the year
  • Richards out of Honda running
  • Donington gains planning permission
• 08 Jan.
  • FOTA agrees cost-cutting plans
  • De la Rosa still aiming for race seat in F1
  • A dozen parties interested in Honda
  • Mosley not done yet with cost cuttings
• 07 Jan.
  • Ecclestone reveals September deadline for Donington
  • Ferrari willing to supply 'Honda' with engines
  • Brawn says Honda won't test before season
• 06 Jan.
  • Ferrari to use electronic pitstop system in 2009
  • Kubica to start karting team
  • Webber's recovery going well
  • Ferrari to reveal new car next week
  • Stewart hits out at Ecclestone and Mosley
• 05 Jan.
  • Red Bull's RB5 to debut in February
  • Suspended sentence and fine for Verstappen
  • Berger confirms Buemi for STR
• 04 Jan.
  • Kubica expecting more accidents
• 03 Jan.
  • Encouraging news for Donington
• 02 Jan.
  • Di Resta still hopeful of F1 drive
  • "Title loss would have damaged Hamilton's reputation"
• 01 Jan.
  • Hakkinen supports medals system
• 31 Dec. '08
  • Kubica: Next year is a big challenge
  • Hakkinen: Vettel will soon be a Formula 1 champion
  • Hamilton receives MBE award
  • Heidfeld expects more accidents in 2009
• 30 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to join Madame Tussauds
  • Ecclestone: Button should take a sabbatical
  • Manager: Alonso would love to join Ferrari one day
  • Changes at Toro Rosso
• 29 Dec. '08
  • Hamilton to miss victory parade in Woking
  • Alonso to join Ferrari in 2011?
  • Mexican billionaire denies Honda bid
• 28 Dec. '08
  • Mexican buyer for Honda?
• 27 Dec. '08
  • F1 drivers positive on Algarve circuit

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