Britain’s Formula One series leader, Lewis Hamilton, admitted that if he is to be crowned world champion this year he cannot make any more mistakes.
The 23-year-old has just a point advantage over Brazilian Felipe Massa following last Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, where Hamilton admitted to making an error in his choice of tyres for qualifying that saw him finish way down on the grid.
He ended up in seventh place while Ferrari driver Massa finished in sixth.
However, Hamilton — who had a sensational rookie season last year finishing second behind Massa’s Ferrari teammate, Kimi Raikkonen — said there was a simple reason for his sitting atop the standings.
”I’m in the lead because I’ve made fewer mistakes. You have to enter each race with heart but you also have to be smart,” Hamilton (23) told BBC Sport.
”I can’t afford any more mistakes, definitely not.”
Formula One’s night debut in Singapore is next up, followed by Japan, China, and then the climax in Brazil, and Hamilton says he has already put the Monza race behind him.
”I really have a skill where I am able to put a previous disappointment behind me,” Hamilton said, referring to the Monza race, which was won by 21-year-old German Sebastian Vettel.
”He [Massa] is the guy I have to beat. He has a good car and is a good driver,” added the Englishman.
”Singapore is a night-time circuit, which none of us have experienced before, but we’ll be OK,” the English driver added.
”I have to make every sacrifice in the last four races. I honestly feel confident in my ability to win the championship.” — Sapa-AFP