Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX
LEWIS HAMILTON is preparing for “war” as his title battle with Sebastian Vettel moves to Japan this weekend.
The three-times world champion admits he cannot predict what mood his car will be in for the race in Suzuka.
He extended his championship lead over Vettel to 34 points on Sunday thanks to his rival’s problems in the build-up to the race.
But Hamilton’s Mercedes was outpaced by Red Bull and Ferrari and he said: “Still this deep into the season I have no idea where the car is going to be good, where it’s going to be great – like Silverstone – or where it’ll be a real struggle like Malaysia or Singapore.
“All I’ve got to do is make sure I’m fit, healthy, focused, there on time at the meeting, understood the car and I’ve done my study – basically prepare for war.
“That’s what I try and do, make sure every weekend I’m the best prepared I can be.”
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff called the car a “diva” earlier in the season and Hamilton said: “I don’t know if I have as good a word as that.
“Not that’s it’s a diva. Stubborn, but it’s cool because I’m stubborn.
“Me and the car have lots of things in common, because it has got great potential but doesn’t always want to do what you tell it to do. That’s the best way of describing it.”
Hamilton will not need to finish on the top step of the podium again providing he leaves Japan with a lead of 29 points or more.
But Hamilton said: “The goal is to continue to win races even if I don’t have to win another grand prix through the rest of the year. I think that’s the best way.
“I’m still hunting for it, I’m not defending it. I’m still chasing