Winning is all in head of Hamilton
MERCEDES have put former All Blacks psychologist Dr Ceri Evans on standby again in case Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 title bid implodes in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton faces team-mate Nico Rosberg in a two-way showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday to decide who is crowned world champion.
Although Hamilton has 10 wins to Rosberg’s five this season, along with a 17-point lead over the German, he could still miss out on the title because double points are up for grabs in the final Grand Prix of the year.
Previously, Hamilton has rejected using a sports psychologist, but team boss Toto Wolff fears that if the 29-year-old British driver throws away the title he could be in need of support.
Wolff said: “I have been looking ahead quite a lot. I was impressed with the way Alain Prost acknowledged Niki Lauda winning the championship by just half a point in 1984 – even though it was a big blow – and then went on to take three titles in the next four years.
Relationship
“I have told our drivers that we will do our best to make sure we can give them a car that is able to win, so whatever happens it will not be the end of their Mercedes career.
“We have a relationship with them and will provide a car that is capable of winning championships.
“Ceri was part of the process at the start of the season and someone we are in contact with, but the psychological part of the company is something I work on for 10 hours a week.
“It is the overall dynamics of the company, not just the drivers. They are our ambassadors, our heroes, but it is about everybody.
“What we provide to Lewis, we need to provide to every single engineer to find out how and what they need to perform their best.”
Wolff claims that the Spa controversy, in which Rosberg clashed controversially with Hamilton at the Belgian Grand Prix, in August, has created a stronger team.
He added: “The atmosphere is tense, like it was after Spa, but it has completely changed. It is much more team-focused and there is a good spirit in discussions. Spa has helped us clear the air.” 1: L Hamilton 334pts; 2: N Rosberg 317; 3: D Ricciardo 214; 4: S Vettel 159; 5: F Alonso 157; 6: V Bottas 156; 7: J Button 106; 8: F Massa 98.