History favours Briton
LEWIS HAMILTON has warned Sebastian Vettel that there is more in his locker as the two rivals prepare for the second chapter in their battle for this year’s Formula One crown.
As the sport roars back into life against the backdrop of the Ardennes mountains in Belgium, it is Hamilton who holds the aces.
The Mercedes driver has established a 24-point lead over Vettel and is traditionally at his best in the concluding half of the campaign.
On the evidence of practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit yesterday, Ferrari appear to boast a slight advantage with Vettel topping the order in the opening running. His team-mate Kimi Raikkonen then edged out Hamilton by 0.168secs in the ensuing session.
Hamilton said: “We have had so many ups and downs over the first half of the season. But what normally happens is you go from strength to strength through the year and through the good and the bad.
“There are lots of positives to take into the second half and there is more juice to come.
“When you do have a bit of a points buffer, subconsciously there is a positive effect but my approach is the same. I don’t want to lose the points that I have.
“We have had times this year where it has gone back and forth but I don’t want the pendulum to go back the other way again.”
On points, Hamilton has the equivalent of a victory in his pocket.
“Only Sebastian can tell you if he is feeling the pressure,” added Hamilton.
“I can tell you if the pressure is on me and the pressure is as great as it can be, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”