Not everything has gone according to plan for Lewis Hamilton this season, so ahead of the British Grand Prix a few home comforts may serve him well.
Approaching the race at Silverstone a year ago, Hamilton had a commanding 14-point lead of the world championship due to a record-breaking run for a rookie of eight successive podium finishes.
Twelve months on, and the picture is somewhat different as the 23-year-old is currently 10 points adrift of Ferrari's Felipe Massa after failing to score in the last two grands prix.
Hamilton's previously cool, calm demeanour also appears to be slowly eroding as too many mistakes have been made on track, while off it the pressure is seemingly starting to tell.
His remarkable rant at the media ahead of the French Grand Prix for their criticism of him in Canada smacked of a man letting outside interference affect him, when he should be focused on his driving.
Although claiming to enjoy life away from the spotlight in his new home in Geneva, there can be no doubt spending time at his family home near Stevenage this weekend could be the tonic he needs.
Hamilton will also have the support of the British public eager for him to improve on his third place at Silverstone last year after he had wowed them in qualifying by claiming pole.
"To get the job done this year would be great," remarked a hopeful Hamilton.
"There's a certain feeling you have at your home race, knowing the support from your home crowd is bigger than at any other track you go to, and that's when you feel home.
"The support is amazing. Last year I would say a good 60 or 70% of the people were there to support us - a British team and a British driver.
"And as it's the British Grand Prix, I can also go home and enjoy some home cooking, and that always helps."
After his glorious victory at Monaco, when he seemingly set himself back on the straight and narrow again, Hamilton made it clear his next major target was to triumph in Britain.
The goal is obtainable, but after Ferrari's domination in France, it generally follows a team strong at Magny-Cours will be equally as redoubtable at Silverstone.
Hamilton is unfazed, adding: "When it comes to the races you want to win, there is always the first of the season, there is always Monaco, and there is always your home grand prix.
"Monaco and your home grand prix are particularly special, but then I want to win every race.
"To win your home grand prix, though, is every driver's dream, and I have no worries for the next race.
"At least we won't be on the back foot at the start of the weekend (referring to his grid penalty in France), and as I've said, I'm at my home grand prix with all my family.
"I know we'll have a strong car there and we were quick there last year.
"So going into it I have maximum confidence in the team and myself, and I feel we will be able to attack the weekend."
That is something Hamilton will be able to do providing he does not let the pressure again get to him, even if he is likely to dispute such a notion.
It will be a case of him needing to keep his head, and for the team to ensure he is in the right frame of mind at all times.
The support from McLaren is essential, because he at least knows he has a car that can compete with Ferrari.
"At the end of the day we've a strong team, a great car," insisted Hamilton.
"We are the only ones that can really challenge Ferrari regularly in terms of straight-line pace, and that's a great thing.
"We've been a little bit unfortunate in some races this year, but everyone will have their turn, and I truly feel that.
"There is still a long, long way to go, and I have absolutely no doubt we will keep getting stronger and stronger.
"As long as we keep our heads up, keep pushing, keep working, it will happen."
1 comment:
I see it going much the same way as last year unless Mclaren get some luck with stratergy or weather then Ferrari should have it covered. Go Kimi for 2nd British GP win =)
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