Hamilton: “A very strong mental attitude”

Quadruple winner in Central Europe in 2007, 2009, 2012 and 2013, Lewis Hamilton has not found the path to success at the Hungaroring for two seasons, a “dearth” creating a curious parallel with that of Mercedes on this same route.

“It’s a track that has always suited my style, however specifies the Briton. The last two years I haven't had the easiest weekends in Budapest, of course. But I know I had the pace, so I'm ready to turn this situation around. »

The Mercedes driver had a bad start in qualifying in 2014, before finally finishing 3rd in the race. The following year, a failed start against the Ferrari de Hag and Räikkönen, then an excursion off the trajectory in the first lap, had dampened the hopes of the former driver McLaren.

Hamilton finally took sixth place at the checkered flag, after fighting with Daniel Ricciardo in the last quarter of the race, the two drivers even made contact at the first corner, a maneuver causing a penalty for the Englishman.

However, it is in a conquering state of mind that the three-time world champion presents himself at this summer meeting, he who has closed almost the entire gap which separated him from Nico Rosberg in the championship. His recent victory on his home soil of Silverstone gave a clear boost of confidence to the second in the general classification.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to win in front of your home crowd. I am still animated by this and I hope to keep these positive vibes for the next race weekend. Since the difficult times in Barcelona, I cultivated this very strong mental attitude and I really feel this fire inside me.

Of course, I have good and bad days like everyone else. But whatever the case, I am able to turn the negative into a positive when it counts. I feel invigorated, powerful and confident heading into Hungary. »