Lewis Hamilton insists he will take it “one step at a time” after he closed in on a fifth Formula 1 title with a sixth win in seven races at the Japanese Grand Prix.
It was another majestic performance by the Briton as he controlled the race at Suzuka, finishing 12 seconds clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas while championship rival Sebastian Vettel was only sixth.
The result means that if Hamilton scores eight points more than the German at the next race in Austin he will join Juan Manuel Fangio as a five-time champion but though it may now seem a formality, the Briton isn’t getting ahead of himself.
“Honestly, I am really taking it one step at a time,” Lewis said after the race. “Each week you have a positive weekend and then you go to another Grand Prix and you’re not sure how you’re going to fare, and how you’re going to perform.
“I think we have gone from strength to strength this year as a team and I really hope… Austin is generally a good track for us and I can’t wait to unleash this beast there.”
Reflecting on his weekend in Japan, Hamilton re-emphasised a point he made earlier in the weekend about his joy of driving Suzuka and the work of his Mercedes team.
“I loved it,” he said. “I have to be very very happy.
“The whole weekend has been incredibly strong from the team. It is a great 1-2 for Mercedes and a true showing of the real strength in depth that we have as a team.
“This track is the best track in the world. I don’t know why they don’t make tracks like this anymore but every second of the run, it was just great fun. I was able to look after my tyres just the way I wanted and maintain the pace.
“It is really weird, you know because obviously, I have been racing a long long time, but the happiness is as high as always, so it is a great feeling.”
The only apparent concern during the race was with some engine drivability issues which he was heard airing over the radio.
“I asked the team and they said it was okay,” he claimed
“Really these guys you see here at the track, and the guys back at the factory, they work so hard to create this beast and I am just so proud and grateful that I have the chance to do what I do in it. I have been racing a long long time now but that feels like the first.”