Hamilton in no hurry to win title duel
SUZUKA: Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks’ time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers’ crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more.
More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Bottas’ victory at Suzuka and Hamilton’s third place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors’ championship for Mercedes with four races remaining.
With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles.
“I think for me it’s never been a case of always wanting to rush things,” Hamilton told reporters on Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races.
“Valtteri’s driven well all year long, he’s done a great job today [Sunday] and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues.”
Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who hold an obvious advantage in straightline speed.
“I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it’s going to be a tough one for us,” said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past.
“I don’t anticipate [the title win] will be Mexico.”