Lewis Hamilton has vowed to keep pushing for victories at every race despite only needing four podium finishes to secure his fourth Formula 1 world title this season.
The Mercedes driver moved 59 points clear of main rival Sebastian Vettel following the German’s second retirement in three races in Japan last weekend and, as a result, it is possible Hamilton could claim the crown as early as next Sunday at the United States Grand Prix.
If he did it would be for the second time in three years after also taking his third championship in Austin in 2015 and, commenting on his approach, he insisted there’s no thought of taking it easy and even took a dig at his former teammate in the process.
“I just want to win every weekend,” the Briton stated. “Somebody mentioned something about Nico [Rosberg] only wanting to finish second. He was qualifying to get pole, he wasn’t qualifying to get second position but people looked upon it as if he drove to finish second, but he couldn’t get by because I was gone.
“For me, the goal is to continue to win races even if I don’t have to win another Grand Prix through the rest of the year. That’s the best way because I am still hunting it, I am not defending it.
“I’m still hunting and chasing that championship and until that last flag and I’ve actually got it sewn up then that’s what you’ve got keep doing. Push as much and push forward.”
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Hamilton also claimed his approach to racing means he had no reason to be more conservative or settle for second despite having very little to gain.
“I feel like I have a perfect balance on race weekends,” the 32-year-old said, “I guess my experience allows me to know when I have to push and when I have to hold back a little bit, and as you saw in the last race that’s what I do.
“But I arrive every race to win and I absolutely am not going to take silly risks. I’m sure you know I’m not one to take silly risks because I’m not often penalised for doing such things. I think it’s going to be fine.”