Lewis Hamilton admits he is only concentrating on ensuring his own preparations for the new Formula 1 season after the first test in Barcelona.
The Mercedes driver, known not to be a big fan of testing, only completed two afternoons on Monday and Thursday yet he was still able to end the latter with the fastest time, three-tenths shy of the best over the four days but using one-step harder tyre compound.
Given the cold temperatures and lack of representative running, making any solid conclusions is very tricky, but even if it wasn’t Hamilton admits that would not be his priority.
“Honestly I just don’t focus too much on anyone else,” the Briton told the official F1 website. “I think ultimately for me and my mindset, if I am at my best then I should have no problems. That’s how I approach it.
“I don’t prepare myself and then hope that the next guy has issues so I can capitalise on them, I want him to be at his best because then it’s more painful for them when you do out-perform them.”
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The four-time and defending world champion also insists he is wanting a tight battle with the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull for the championship this year.
“The closer it is, the better it is when you win,” he claimed. “You want the guys you are racing to have a level playing field that you can really show that there are only small differences between us as drivers, and you want to be able to show that. It’s magnified if the cars are all the same.”
