Formula One news

Hamilton doesn't expect difficulties to race without driver aids

Earlier this week Ferrari's team manager Luca Baldisserri questioned Hamilton's ability to handle a Formula One car stripped of electronic driver aids like traction control. But it doesn't worry the 23-year-old Briton a bit. "Maybe they are the ones that will have problems next year," Hamilton told reporters in Stuttgart.

The 2008 Formula 1 season will see traction control being banned from Formula 1. But Hamilton doesn't expect any difficulties to adjust to this rule change in F1. "I have raced without traction before and won races and championships," he said. "It will be slightly different in Formula 1 and at times it will be tricky. But all the drivers have the ability to deal with it.

"Those with more talent will get to grips with it faster and better. Let's wait and see who that is. Last year I had the ambition and didn't know how to achieve it. Now I do. I'm fitter and stronger, physically and psychologically. It gives me 100 times more motivation. Being world champion is my only goal.

"I wouldn't say it was a blow to lose the title that way but I wouldn't be human if I didn't feel anything. But I've recovered and I'm desperate to get back into the car again."

more news

• 25 Nov.
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  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas

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