- Mercedes
Nothing has changed from 2008 triumph - Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton says he has the "same hunger and will to win" the world championship as he did when he claimed his maiden title in 2008.
Hamilton won the title in dramatic circumstances in 2008, passing Timo Glock on the final corner of the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, and knows he only needs to finish second in Abu Dhabi next weekend to become a double world champion. With the passing of time, Hamilton says he has grown as a person since his last triumph but admits that has not had a drastic impact on his racing mentality.
"People talk about how long it's been since I won the title - but I honestly feel like I'm fighting for my first world championship all over again," Hamilton said. "Sure, I'm older and maybe a little bit wiser than I was back then. I've learnt a lot in the years since 2008 - but I'm still the same driver. I still have the same hunger, the same will to win, and I've been giving it everything I've got from the word go this season."
Hamilton spent much of the first half of the season on the back foot due to retirements in Australia, Canada and Belgium but he is not about to change the approach which has seen him gain a lead in the championship, which currently stands at 17 points over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
"I've had ups and downs along the way - but I've never once given up. I've managed to fight my way back from whatever has come my way and my approach doesn't change for this race. I've got a good record at the Abu Dhabi circuit. Last year was actually the only time I've not started on the front row or finished on the podium. But I've also had some misfortune there over the years - particularly in 2012. I'm hoping that bad luck won't play a part this time around and I know that the team has been working flat out to make sure it doesn't. I'm feeling relaxed, I'm feeling confident and I'm ready to win."
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