Question: Lewis, the season is finally underway. What’s your mood like?
Lewis Hamilton: I feel fantastic. I cannot remember the last time I’ve felt this good. It’s a combination of things. Firstly, memory. In 2007 this was my first Grand Prix and now I’m heading into my fifth season, which shows you how quickly time rushes by. I must say that I now feel much stronger and more focused. I am more sure about myself and where I am in life - and more relaxed. And I am light. I’ve lost weight.
Question: Both you and your team mate Jenson Button are chasing a second world championship. After you almost managed it last season, you look as if you really want it this year…
Lewis Hamilton: It probably looked close but I had the feeling that I was light years away. For my taste it should have been much closer. Sure I will be chasing again. But for me - I’ve been with the team so long and we haven’t won a constructors’ championship together - so it is a real ambition to help them get that championship as well, alongside my own ambition to win a second title.
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Formula 1: Mark Webber Fastest in First Practice at Albert Park
Formula 1: Australian Grand Prix - First Practice Results
Formula 1: Jenson Button Fastest in Second Practice at Albert Park
Formula 1: Australian Grand Prix - Second Practice Results
Question: You have an aggressive driving style. Will you have to change that?
Lewis Hamilton: No, probably people’s perception of my driving style will have to change. I am probably an aggressive driver but that’s just because I try to get everything out of the car. Since my days in GP2 I always had a good understanding of my tyres, but I would agree that there are places where I probably damage the front tyres too much. If you look at my pace over long runs, compared to my team mate who has the softest driving style in the world, my pace is generally very similar to his and sometimes better. I definitely have to work hard to improve because you are never perfect and looking after the tyres is definitely an important part of it.
Question: So how do you see this season unfolding?
Lewis Hamilton: I have to say that I am very lucky to be one of the few going out there with a real chance of winning and competing for the world championship. I think that we can win more races this year, whether or not we will at the beginning of the season I couldn’t say. I know that I’ve won a race every year since I’ve been in Formula One so I plan to continue doing that. But of course I know we have a bit work still to do. Overall I am really happy and optimistic. I’ve never talked so much in my life!
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