LEW’S TITLE HUNGER
Hamilton is up for Vettel fight
®
LEWIS HAMILTON says losing the season-opener in Australia to Sebastian Vettel has doubled his desire to win a fourth world title.
Hamilton had to settle for second in Melbourne after his prediction about Ferrari’s pace proved right.
The prospect of a season-long battle with a driver of Vettel’s calibre had already fired up Hamilton and the result in Melbourne has whetted his appetite for a fight even more.
He said: “I want to win the world championship more than ever before and while you would think that the hunger could not be any more, it has frickin’ doubled.
Focus
“I am going home after this. Usually I stay out in Asia and train in the hot weather but I will get my head down, rest and make sure I come back fighting for the next race in China.
“I believe I can win and I want to win for the team and the fans.”
Hamilton’s showbiz lifestyle and interests outside of the sport have naturally led to question marks over his focus, drive and long-term commitment to Formula One.
The Englishman is now in his 11th season in the sport and has repeatedly said he will not outstay his welcome.
Hamilton insists his motivation is at an all-time high, adding: “My discipline has definitely gone up in terms of my training and how specific I am with my diet, sleep, and all of these different things.
“Every year you try to improve but I would say I have taken a good step this year. For example, I trained myself this year.
“That was a challenge I set myself. Can you have the motivation to do it yourself and get yourself ready and turn up?
“I have and I am going to continue to work because there are going to be some really tough races.”