Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Happy Hamilton can't stop smiling

Lewis Hamilton said he is not feeling under any pressure to perform, ahead of his first proper Formula One test today

The GP2 champion is getting a two-day run out with McLaren at Silverstone, as the team analyse whether Hamilton should be handed a race drive alongside Fernando Alonso next season.

And although the test has created great interest from media and spectators, Hamilton has made it clear that he feels relaxed and that his primary intention is to enjoy himself this week.

"I don't feel any pressure and the team have actually told me that there is no need for me to feel pressure," said Hamilton, who conducted some shakedown runs for McLaren on Tuesday.

"They just want me to get started and get some mileage under my belt. It has been a long and hard journey to get here, and I really appreciate the opportunity.

"There is no pressure from anyone for me to go out and be quick straight away. I need to slowly build up my speed as I become more and more used to the car.

"The team have basically just told me that I deserve this test and to relax and enjoy it."

Although Hamilton has driven a McLaren twice before - once in a young driver evaluation day, and again more recently for an advertising photo shoot - he claims his experience this time surpasses everything before.

"When you get on track and realise where you are and what you are doing, it is a phenomenal feeling," he added.

"The feeling when I went out the first time was amazing. I was in my own suit, helmet and seat.

"My GP2 season is over, and I could really focus on today and enjoy it 100 percent. Every time they started the car I just couldn't help smiling. I tried to be serious, but I just had this big grin on my face.

"When you pull out of the garage for the first time, it's a feeling I will treasure particularly as I know it will slowly fade as I become more familiar. I'm just living my dream at the moment."

Hamilton will test alongside Pedro de la Rosa today and tomorrow, and will continue testing for the team at Jerez in Spain in the week after the Japanese Grand Prix.

McLaren have said that they want to make a decision about their final driver line-up before Christmas.

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Bridgestone wants 'red' tyre rule in F1
Next article Q & A with Lewis Hamilton

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe