Question: Looking back on your year as champion, how would you describe it?
Lewis Hamilton: Well, it’s been a fantastic year for me. It’s been very tough and demanding at times, but I think I’m actually a very different person now than I was a year ago - and some of that comes directly and indirectly from being world champion. I think this year has helped me to understand and appreciate more the challenge and thrill of Formula One. I’d like to think I’m a more rounded individual as a result of my season, and I definitely think I’m a better driver.
In many ways, though, I’m still the same. I’m still a fighter, and I still want to make sure that I keep my family, and my friends and my team close to me. And I’ll be fighting to take home a win in Abu Dhabi - that’s very important because a victory there will keep us all buzzing for the winter, and that’s great for our motivation. And, of course, I’ll be bringing the fight to the first race of next year - I’m already looking forward to it. It can’t come soon enough.
Question: Any favourite moments?
Lewis Hamilton: Getting the upgrade package at the Nurburgring was a real buzz, but also an incredible relief, because I could finally feel I had a proper racing car underneath me. The first win of the year in Hungary was amazing, because we’d worked so hard for it, and every single person in our team deserved that win. Winning in Singapore was amazing too - such a hard race. I’m really proud to have won there - it’s an incredible circuit and a real flagship race for Formula One.
Also, racing at Suzuka for the first time was a dream come true for me. And I’m also really proud of my drive in Brazil - I never thought I’d even get in the points let along get on the podium. And I’m encouraged by our progress because I know that it’s all feeding in to our development for 2010.
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