SINGAPORE: McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton is keen to take a leaf out of Formula 1 championship leader Fernando Alonso’s book by improving his consistency in the final seven races of the season to bolster his title chances.
The 2008 world champion sits 37 points behind the Spaniard in second place in the drivers’ standings and although both men have won three races apiece, it is the Ferrari’s ability to pick up points in the other races that has helped Alonso.
The 20-race calendar takes the series to Singapore this weekend, where the floodlit, 23-turn Marina Bay Street Circuit represents a welcome stop for both drivers, having won three of the previous four Singapore Grands Prix between them.
“Fernando has been incredible consistent throughout the year, he’s had a lot less problems than others have but that’s the name of the game,” a relaxed and fit-looking Hamilton said on Wednesday.
“You need a team that doesn’t mess up in the pitstops, a car that’s reliable and then you need to do your job.”
The second half of the season has been encouraging for Hamilton, who sandwiched crashing in Belgium with victories in Hungary and Italy.
Hamilton will need to draw on all his strength and fitness to vie for top honours in Singapore, a race the majority of drivers regard as the toughest of the season both physically and mentally.
“The temperature is pretty intense. For example, today, just getting in my suit and driving in the car, sweating like crazy,” the 27-year-old said.
Hamilton displayed little emotion on the podium after his Monza victory two weeks ago, fuelling speculation in the paddock that a rumoured switch to Mercedes next season was becoming more likely.
However, the Briton explained that he had only recently lost his aunt and that she had been on his mind. (Reuters)