Lewis Hamilton: “Win ​​as many races as possible”

A few days before the start of his second season in F1, Lewis Hamilton expressed his feelings in an interview with the McLaren Mercedes press office.

What are your expectations, and your motivations, for 2008, your second season in F1 and with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team?
“Generally I don't set myself or have expectations for myself or anyone else, I'm more focused on goals. Obviously the objectives of the team and mine are to win as many races as possible, improve last year's performance and finish all the races. For the team there is also the objective of winning the constructors' championship. My motivation is even higher than last year, but in a slightly different way. I would say that last year it was an uncontrollable determination. For some I might seem calmer or within the lines now but I'm saving energy for the first race, I can't wait."

In the short term, what is your goal for the Australian GP?
“We have to get there with total confidence in the car and start well, in the best possible way. So I'm going there with the intention of winning the race, and I'm going to work hard to do that."

You had a sensational start to the season in 2007 at Albert Park, what is the most unforgettable memory of that race for you?
“I think the first corner is definitely one of the best memories, I will never forget that moment. Even finishing on the podium for the first time, third but so close to second place. It was my first race and all the expectations were on my shoulders more than anyone else, but I remained focused on my goals and achieved a great result."

What are your feelings about a competitive debut for the MP4-23?
“I feel very positive, I think we have made some mega steps forward and the reliability has improved further. The car feels stronger than last year, and despite the ban on devices such as traction control it is very similar in some ways. I think we have come a very long way even before the first Grand Prix and I am optimistic that we can compete with the other teams."

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