Double world champion Mika Hakkinen sees Hamilton as team leader ahead of Heikki Kovalainen and - despite the team claiming both drivers are treated equally - believes that with that comes the burden of responsibility.
“Lewis has an interesting career in front of him at the moment, but he is living in a very extreme situation,” remarked Hakkinen.
“Lewis is in a situation where he is the leader of the team, and so he is under pressure to develop the car, make it fast and show he can get results for the team.
“The pressure is very high on him. He definitely has consistent talent and he can provide performance, but the pressure is part of the game and he could start making mistakes.”
“You have to be ready to win and to be world champion, be clear in your mind, and get angry inside,” said Hakkinen.
“It is not easy. Even if you have the right chassis, engine, and the right team, it might not happen. It is still a great challenge and can take time.
“You can have the talent and the machinery but it still might not come, so you need patience.”
But Hamilton is a man in a hurry. And sitting beside him there is a tangible feeling he believes his date with destiny can now be counted in minutes.
“My goal in life is to win a world championship and I’ve not got my first yet but it would be a dream, an amazing accomplishment, to emulate Mika,” said Hamilton.
| 
|