Practice is not taxing for champ Hamilton
LEWIS HAMILTON last night put aside his off-track troubles to soar to a practice double ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix – then warned his rivals he’s gunning for more titles.
Hamilton is almost stride for stride with Michael Schumacher’s record-breaking achievements but knows he will have to retain his desire for years to come to be the all-time greatest.
Hamilton arrived in Sao Paulo in the spotlight following claims he had avoided a £3.3million VAT charge on his private jet.
But the Englishman didn’t let that controversy clip his wings as he ended both sessions top of the order ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.
And ahead of tomorrow’s penultimate race of the season the four-time world champion said: “I believe I can win more championships. I have every plan to win more grands prix.
“I am grateful to be up there and among the real greats of the sport – not only among them but standing up there with them with four championships – and that is something I am very proud of.”
Hamilton has added a fourth star to his crash helmet for this weekend’s race but knows to get another three is a tall order.
Seven-time champion Schumacher won 64 grands prix in his first 11 seasons. Hamilton’s tally stands at 62. Schumacher sealed his fourth title aged 32.
Hamilton, 33 in January, said: “I am a lot closer to chasing down Michael than I ever was. Before it felt so distant to get to 91 wins and while it still feels a long way off it is not impossible to think I could potentially get near.”
Meanwhile, English teenager George Russell is targeting a full-time F1 drive after making his grand prix debut in Brazil. The 19-year-old finished 12th in opening practice as he deputised for Force India’s Sergio Perez.
Russell, who won this year’s GP3 championship with a round to spare, said: “I wanted to do this test because, as we have seen in F1, anything can happen. I feel ready for an F1 seat next season.”