Hamilton: consistency the key to winning Formula One title
Circuit organisers have created a new street track which winds its way around the Juan Carlos I marina that was last year home to the 32nd America’s Cup yacht race.
Unlike Monaco, where it is notoriously slow and almost impossible to pass, the 25-corner, 5.4km circuit in Valencia is fast — with a top speed of 200mph achievable — and features overtaking opportunities. With seven of the 18 grands prix remaining, 23-year-old Hamilton is aware one asset above all others will serve him well if he is to erase the heartache of last year’s agonising near miss.
“Looking back at the season so far, it feels like a different championship compared to last year as 2007 was very intense and consistency was incredibly important,” said the British driver.
“This year, everybody’s results have been more varied and every driver who has won a race has also failed to score on at least two other occasions. That’s made getting strong results even more important, but I think we’ll see consistency becoming crucial as we head towards the end of the season.
“But I’m wary of making predictions — the race in Hungary showed just how unpredictable Formula One can be, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s such a fascinating sport.”
Hamilton finished fifth in Hungary, with victory going to his McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen ahead of second-placed Timo Glock who claimed his first podium finish.
As a Formula One wheel has yet to burn rubber on the Valencia track, it is anybody’s guess as to who will triumph this weekend.
Hamilton is naturally hoping he is the man on the top step of the podium, a win that would see him stretch his current five-point championship lead.
“Clearly, I am still in a good position to challenge for the world championship, and that remains my aim,” he said.
“We still feel confident about our chances – we know our rivals will be strong, but we’ve worked hard to improve the car and are confident we’ll be competitive this weekend.
Hamilton has at least enjoyed the last couple of weeks away from the spotlight, allowing him to focus on the final stretch of races ahead.
“I spend quite a lot of time between the races analysing the data and keeping fit,” added Hamilton.
“But the summer break gave me the opportunity to get away from that and focus on just recharging my batteries.”
Not that preparations have been any different in the build-up to this race, although there was one incident of minor note that took place in Malaga earlier this week.
Leaving a hotel with his girlfriend, singer Nicole Scherzinger, and other friends, thieves stole a washbag belonging to one of the party from a waiting car. Hamilton was not involved in a direct way and is simply focusing on the job ahead this weekend.
“We’ve done some preparation back at the McLaren Technology Centre ahead of this race,” remarked Hamilton. “But our main focus will still be the three free practice sessions ahead of qualifying. I’ll be working closely with my engineers to make sure we start the weekend with a good baseline and work hard to strengthen it as we go on.”
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