• McLaren news

Hamilton won't accept mediocrity

Pre-season testing has not been plain sailing for Lewis Hamilton © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• Drivers:
• Lewis Hamilton

• Teams:
• McLaren

Lewis Hamilton has suggested he will look back on his career as a failure if he does not add to his solitary Formula One Drivers' title.

The Briton heads into the new F1 season, which gets underway in Melbourne next weekend, aware that his McLaren team is under pressure. The MP4-26 has looked off the pace in testing and has completed less miles than any other team.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is the bookmakers' favourite to defend his title, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso next best, while Hamilton's chances are viewed as those of an outsider following a tough pre-season.

The 26-year-old is happy with life at McLaren, claiming he feels privileged to be part of the team, but has warned that he will not tolerate mediocrity.

"I am not here to race 10 years and only win one or two world championships," he told the Observer. "I want to be one of the most successful F1 drivers of this generation so I do want to win more world championships and I think you have to continue winning and prove yourself time after time for people to really know that you are the best."

The 2011 season is likely to be a tough slog for Hamilton but the 2008 champion has every confidence the team can keep him competitive at the front of the grid.

"Look at the history of McLaren, they are an incredible team," he said. "I haven't been to other factories, but McLaren have some of the greatest people I have ever met in the team."The way they treat their drivers is fantastic. It is a great place to go to work and I feel privileged to be part of the team. They are fighters and I am a fighter."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.