Hamilton: “This battle with Vettel is cool! »

Even if there are still two rounds to go in the world championship of Formula 1 (in Brazil and Abu Dhabi), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) draws up an initial analysis of the fight linking it to Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari). Since the introduction of the new technical regulations in 2014, the Briton had to manage the internal struggle with his teammate Nico Rosberg. This time, the former protégé of McLaren had to repel the attacks of a Team Ferrari takes revenge.

Despite some contentious actions between the two men (notably in Baku or at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix), Lewis Hamilton refuses to see this duel as a battle of daggers drawn, without respect for the other. “We're not 20 years old, we're grown up... I think there were certain moments in the season where Sebastian might have felt anger towards me, at least more anger than I have towards him against. However, I try to reject the negativity in my life, regardless of what is written in the newspapers and what is said.", explains the four-time world champion, who “builds a barrier in order to reject the negative because (the) believes that love and a positive spirit wins every time. »

Lewis Hamilton, delighted to join Alain Prost and… Sebastian Vettel on the list of the most successful drivers, does not understand the controversies scattered throughout the year with the leader of Ferrari. “Let the journalists try to make a point of what happened in Baku or even at the start on Sunday, it doesn't matter to me. I think the most important thing is... how you recover from these adventures. »

The threat symbolized by the car red actually increased his motivation tenfold. “This battle with Sebastian is cool!” He got his 50th pole on Saturday, and I was like, "I don't want to give him one more because he's getting closer to me." (72 poles, record). It’s the same thing with the number of victories or championships won. Sebastian is a reason not to relax. When I heard he was extending his contract with Ferrari for three years, I thought, 'Okay, we'll make their lives difficult.' In fact, I look forward to continuing this duel in the future.”, recognized Lewis Hamilton.