Hamilton ready to trump rivals
LEWIS HAMILTON has tried to calm talk of sealing his fourth world title at the US Grand Prix on Sunday by labelling it “silly”.
Hamilton can clinch the championship by winning the race in Austin, Texas, provided Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel finishes sixth or lower.
Hamilton has opened up a 59-point lead on his nearest challenger after Vettel failed to finish the last race in Japan.
But Hamilton said: “Talk of the championship win here is silly. You cannot expect Sebastian to have a difficult weekend. Ferrari are going to be quick.
“He has been strong all year. He has had a few technical issues but the car is as good as it has always been. They will be strong this weekend and the last four races. That is why nothing changes.
“I have to continue to keep the pressure on. There is no reason to back out, I have to keep pushing forward. The championship – as long as it is done in the last four races that is my focus. I honestly don’t care if it is here or the last race, as long as it is done.
“But to win here would be the most important thing for me – particularly in the midst of all that is going on in the country.”
Hamilton was referring to the NFL players who have knelt during the American national anthem in protest at racial inequality in the country.
Hamilton has been vocal in his support of the so-called ‘take the knee’ movement and his distaste of President Donald Trump and his administration.
Trump has denounced the protests as unpatriotic and called for NFL franchises to fire or suspend players who do not stand during the National Anthem and for fans to boycott matches.
“I don’t really plan on allowing all the BS that is surrounding the topic to pull me down in my stride to win this