Hamilton dismisses world title talk as ‘silly’

LEWIS Hamilton dismissed talk of him wrapping up a fourth world title at the United States Grand Prix this weekend as “silly”.

The 32-year-old Briton can claim the 2017 crown if he is triumphant for Mercedes and nearest rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari fails to finish in the top five in tomorrow’s race at the Circuit of the Americas.

“I don’t know, all of the talk of a championship win here is silly. Sebastian won’t have the same difficulties and he will be very quick.

“For me, it [the title] will be done in the last four races, so my focus here is on winning.

“I don’t mind if it is done here or at the last race, but the most important thing here is to win, in the midst of all that is going on in the country and that is a priority for me.”

Hamilton declined to elaborate on his plans or the significance of his comments about why winning is such a priority for him.

When he was asked directly if he intended to take a knee in support of the protests by NFL players against racial injustice and police brutality, he distanced himself from some of his earlier comments on the subject.

“I’ve not given thought,” he said.

He added that if he was not to win the title in the US, he would be happy to win it in Mexico, Brazil or Abu Dhabi.

“I’m looking forward to going to Mexico as you can always feel the love and the support there.

“In Mexico, they know how to celebrate and so I’ll get a sombrero and party if it happens there.”

Given a chance to talk about his likely duel with Vettel, he said he was planning to continue in the same concentrated mode as he has all year. that much

“I am anticipating he will be strong in the last four races, as he has been strong all year,” he said.

“So, nothing changes for me, there is no backing out and I’ll just keep pushing forwards.”

In earlier comments, he had revealed his feelings and respect for the protest.

“I know a lot of people in the US, so I get to speak to a lot of black and white people that live here.

“I get quite a good view of what’s happening here in the States and I get opinions from the Americans here about the movement, which I think is pretty huge.” — AFP