Hamilton sets sights on another title
LEWIS Hamilton has only one thing on his mind in Melbourne .
“It’s about another championship,” the three-time title winner said.
He also knows where his opposition starts and the team he most wants to race – and beat – at Albert Park. “Ferrari,” Hamilton said bluntly. But the start of the 2017 season has the rock star of F1 pumped again for another season in cars that promise to be faster than anything he has driven in the past.
“I couldn’t be more excited. I’m always excited before the start of the season so I couldn’t be any more excited than I usually am,” he said.
Hamilton has been one of the predictable pace-setters in pre-season testing with his Mercedes-Benz team, although Ferrari has been close and he has also been kept honest by his new teammate, Valteri Bottas.
The flying Finn arrived in a late deal with Williams – that included Mercedes trading its former technical chief Paddy Lowe – following the retirement of Nico Rosberg after he beat Hamilton to last year’s title crown.
Hamilton is a fan of the faster cars for 2017, which have wider Pirelli tyres and bigger wings, although he is not sure if they will suit him in race conditions.
“I think time will tell if they suit me or not, but hopefully yes. We’ll find out,” he said.
But Hamilton worries that the cars will be less spectacular and less enjoyable for race fans.
“I hope I’m wrong,” he said.
As for the Melbourne circuit, the race favourite declared it is always one of his favourites.
“Albert Park is a great race and the weather is always fantastic. It’s a beautiful place for us to go,” he said.
“I just enjoy being in Australia. Just the city. It’s such a great energy in the city when we’re there. I feel very much at home.”
Hamilton believes he and Bottas could face a tight fight in Melbourne.
“The others seem quick, so it looks like we have a good battle on our hands. Ferrari have been doing a fantastic job. I think there’s more to come from them,” he said.
“Of course, I want a car that I can go out and fight for a championship with but for the fans it’s best when there’s multiple teams fighting for it.”