Driven by a burning desire to put the first half of a turbulent season behind him, and re-energised after “chilling out” on the beaches of Los Angeles alongside popstar girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger during Formula One’s enforced mini-break, the 24-year-old world champion is positively champing at the bit to return to action in Valencia this weekend.
And his message is clear: there will be no more “happy just to win a point” races this year. Following their impressive victory in Hungary last month, McLaren-Mercedes are back and the pretenders to Hamilton’s crown - Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber et al - had better watch out.
“We know we are on track to compete for more wins and definitely to compete at the front of the grid a lot more often,” a noticeably more upbeat Hamilton said on Tuesday. “Our aim now is to win as many races as we can.”
Hamilton may no longer be involved in the title race himself, but that does not mean he cannot influence it and his refound joie de vivre provides another fascinating dimension to an already gripping season.
“Valencia went very well for me last year,” he said. “I was second there last year and we were very competitive with Ferrari and Felipe [Massa].
“It definitely suited my driving style and hopefully now with the car being a bit better we should be able to compete again for at least a podium. I think this weekend should be good for us.” Telegraph.co.uk
Hamilton, 24, said the Kers power-boost system proved “anything can happen”.
“I’m still buzzing from the Hungary win and I’m hopeful of being able to carry that pace into Valencia,” he added.
And the Briton is optimistic he can replicate the pace he found in Hungary. “Particularly with our new upgrades to the car,” he said.
“I’m once again hoping that it will provide the difference in the race.”
“It’s a very demanding circuit, the kind of place that punishes any mistakes hard,” stated Hamilton.
“It’s quite tight and relatively slow, so it should suit our package. It’s also very difficult to overtake, as we discovered last year.”
McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen, who finished fifth in Hungary, is also expecting to capitalise on the cars’ improved performance. BBC Sport
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