Ecstatic Hamilton expects tough times

The 22-year-old has needed only six races to reach the top step of the podium, following an error-free drive to victory at the chaotic Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hamilton dominated the race from start to finish despite four safety car periods to complete a sequence of six Grands Prix in the top three, an unprecedented feat for a rookie driver.

His victory in Montreal, added to teammate's Fernando Alonso's seventh place finish, means Hamilton will arrive at Indianapolis next weekend on top of the championship standings, eight points ahead of the double world champion.

The Briton, however, reminded everyone again after the race that he is a rookie, and that things are likely to go wrong at some point this season.

"The next dream is obviously to win a Formula One world championship but at the moment we have to be realistic again," said Hamilton.

"It's always good to bear in mind that I'm still a rookie and this is my first season. There are going to be some hard times.

"I hope that there aren't but it's just bound to happen, it's just the way it goes in this business and there'll be good days and bad days.

"But at the moment it's been consistent and that's down to the team and all the people around me. I've got a very well-grounded family and I think it works perfect."

Despite his caution, Hamilton admitted he was feeling ecstatic following his perfect start to life in Formula One.

"I am definitely on a different planet," he said. "It's just really hard to grasp everything, it just keeps getting better and better.

"Firstly getting to Formula One, my first tests, becoming the McLaren race driver, having six podiums, already having a pole. You know I got that pole position and going into this weekend I really didn't think it would be my time.

"I thought Fernando was extremely quick here, perhaps he'll be quick this weekend and he'll get the job done. But that wasn't the case and I think I was fairly consistent. I drove quite well to keep it out of the wall and going into the race today I just had to knuckle down, keep focused and keep my mind clear and that's what I did.

"I think with the pace cars it made it even easier to do that. I'm looking forward to the next race, that's for sure."