Q: Lewis, at the MP4-24’s rollout in Portugal you didn’t have much time to sample the new car because of the weather. You racked up much more mileage at last week’s Jerez test, so what can you tell us about your new workplace for 2009?
Lewis Hamilton: Unfortunately, the weather in Portugal was not as we would have expected, but we did manage to put some miles on the MP4-24 and complete part of our test programme. The test in Spain was a little more productive. With warm temperatures and blue skies, we were finally able to start unlocking the potential of the car and discover just how it works. My first impressions are very favourable - the car has been very reliable, it feels very solid beneath me and doesn’t have any vices. Looking at the programme ahead of us, I think we will be competitive in Melbourne next month.
Q: The decision of Ron Dennis to step down as McLaren team principal came as a big surprise to many. What do you think will change once Martin Whitmarsh takes on the role?
Lewis Hamilton: I know Ron and Martin very well. And I’m sure that the change at the top of the team will only bring us benefits. It will allow Ron to take a step back and concentrate on running the whole group, and it will also allow Martin to get fully involved in the Formula One team. But I don’t think you’ll see many big changes - there’s not much that needs changing, after all. I know a lot of people will be watching Martin once we get to Australia, but he’s a great bloke; really professional, a good laugh and totally committed. I know he’ll do a fantastic job.
Q: It’s said that the first title is the hardest to achieve. Now that you have it under your belt, how are you feeling about the forthcoming season? Do you feel more relaxed?
Lewis Hamilton: Winning the world championship in Brazil seems such a long time ago now - things move so fast in Formula One, even when you’re not at the racetrack! To be honest, I don’t really think of myself as world champion yet - I think that will finally sink in when I get to Melbourne for the first race - so I don’t put any extra pressure on myself to live up to that. Obviously, becoming the champion does take some weight off your shoulders but I don’t really look too closely at it: I’m just spending every moment focusing on 2009, improving my fitness, working with the team and testing the car. I’m more committed than ever.
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