Hamilton warns against complacency in pursuit of title

Lewis Hamilton arrived in Austin, scene of the United States Grand Prix this Sunday, with a comfortable lead of 67 points over Sebastian Vettel. The leader Mercedes, who remains on four victories in a row at the Circuit of the Americas, can fold the Drivers' championship this weekend if he registers eight points more than his rival Ferrari. 

Even if the matter seems very well underway, Hamilton refuses to declare victory too soon. 

« I'll say it again: no one on the team wonders how cool it would be to win another title until we achieve it., declared the Stevenage native at a press conference. We do not focus on 'and if'. We strive to do everything to respond. 

There are still 100 points on the table between now and the end of the season. We can never play it smug and complacent in such an intense duel. We expect Ferrari to respond in style this weekend. 

We cannot afford to take the pressure off and relax in any way. I'm not here thinking about how I would feel if I were titled. I have to do the job first. Nothing is ever certain, especially when we see the tricky weather conditions that are forecast with rain this weekend ». 

While Hamilton has just scored six wins in seven races, it is difficult to remember that the Mercedes ace had had a complicated start to the season and was even eight points behind Vettel after Silverstone.

Asked what were the reasons for Mercedes' rise in power in the second half of the year, Hamilton replied that it was a combination of factors difficult to separate. 

« As a driver, you understand more and more things as a season goes on. At the same time, the car is improving and we are better understanding how it works to maximize its potential. Collectively, we have raised our game as well. And it is also true that Ferrari missed opportunities ». 

It's the least we can say.