Q & A with Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton: It is not so bad in the wet. There is a lot of grip on this circuit for some reason. Of all the circuits we go to, this one has the most grip in the wet, so it is a little bit easier to keep the car on the track. But it rains a lot - when it rains, it rains properly.

Q. Martin Whitmarsh spoke at the last race about a new mentality at the team and within yourself in terms of focusing on the championship rather than individual race wins. Is that something that has come from yourself after what happened in China last year?

LH:: I have not spoken to them about it. We work together as a team and we are slowly evolving, learning new things and new approaches to the race. I think that is what he is talking about.

Q. Is your approach this year different to how it was 12 months ago?

LH:: Yes.

Q. What has changed?

LH:: Well, just from having the experience of last year of going into each race trying to win it and not really focusing on the championship. This year we are focused on the championship, and the importance of finishing races and scoring points for the team. This year being more of a team player is what we are doing.

Q. How was it in Singapore driving for the third place and not going for the win? Was it hard?

LH:: I think you have misunderstood. I was trying to win the whole race and I spent 20 laps behind David (Coulthard) who was a lot slower than me - and I couldn't get past. It was dangerous being behind him as I nearly crashed several times, just from losing downforce. So it was very dangerous.

Then there were five or six laps left of the race and I attempted to challenge Nico (Rosberg), but I couldn't get close enough. For me to get anywhere near close enough to potentially have a big dive down the inside meant I possibly would have crashed. So it made no sense. I tried to stick behind him, but I lost downforce. So I got some clear air and got some points. I don't think there is anything wrong with that.

Q. Last year coming here you were also leading the championship. How are you as a person and driver different from last year?

LH:: I think, again, last year I was a little bit younger and so excited by the fact that I had just arrived in Formula One. So much was going on, the controversies, and so much to learn and take on board. I was leading here but I did not understand the magnitude of the situation I was in - and what was around me and the pressure that was on my shoulders. I dealt with it the best way I could, and it wasn't the best.

I learned from those mistakes and I come here this year, having taking a big step in my personal life as a grown up, and as a driver I think I have matured as a driver, learned from my mistakes and working as hard as I can to improve in all areas. Just as a driver, in this part of the season I feel a lot stronger than I did last year in terms of my state of mind and my fitness. Last year, by this time of the year I was so exhausted because it was such a crazy season.

Q. Until Japan last year everything went fine, but then the last two races were a disappointment. Knowing what happened, does that change your approach in any way?

LH:: Last year was potentially a little bit easier to maintain the finishes and the results. This year was more of a challenge for all of us, with all the controls taken away from us and the sport becoming more competitive. So this year has been more challenging for everyone, but you have to step up your game and step up to it.

Q. How do you judge the battle between McLaren and Ferrari? Are you ahead in the wet but they have the edge in the dry?

LH:: I think generally they are a little bit quicker than us.

Q. Is the championship fight simpler this year because there is only one rival, whereas last season you had both Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso to think about?

LH:: I haven't looked at the championship points, but as far as I see it everyone is in the running for the championship in terms of the guys I am racing with. I don't know how many points Kimi is behind, but there are 30 points available and he can still do it - and he did it last year! So I can't take it for granted. There are lots of points available so it isn't easier, I think it is every harder this year.

Q. Do you feel any nerves at all at the moment about it?

LH:: No, last year I felt a bit nervous. But I don't feel it this year.