LEWIS Hamilton would like us to believe Sunday's title showdown is just another race.
Perhaps we should take such a comment with a considerable pinch of salt because it is hard to imagine the Brazilian Grand Prix will be a normal, run-of-the-mill affair for the 23-year-old.
After all, the championship is on the line, just as it was
a year ago when it all went so horribly wrong, with Hamilton agonisingly missing out by a point.
But Hamilton appears more relaxed in contrast to this time last year, when he arrived in Brazil plagued by demons in the wake of a catastrophic race in China. There was also a backdrop to last season, the spy saga and his feud with Fernando Alonso, that was an interfering, troubling one for a driver who, it cannot be forgotten, was in his rookie year. Twelve months on and there is little to worry the McLaren driver, who carries into Sunday's race a seven-point lead over Felipe Massa on the back of his near-flawless performance in China.
"It's quite a bit different to last year," assessed Hamilton when asked as to his mindset. "That is simply because last year we came here and I'd had one bad race, so it was all a bit hectic. The pressure of being at the last race was upon me and perhaps it got to me. But this year I feel it's just another race. We've come from a great race in China and I know here we will be just as strong, if not a little bit stronger. It looks positive, so again my approach will be the same as in the last race.
"We're just here to do the best job we can. We don't really have much pressure on us. As a team we would love to win, but it's not so important. It's all about doing the best job. That's what racing is about." And as for pressure, that is all relative according to Hamilton as, again, he would like us to believe what he is experiencing right now is no different to when he competed for his first kart title at the age of eight.
"It's similar to every championship you are in," insisted Hamilton. "It is just another race, and that is the way you have to approach it. It's the way I've done it in the past, but it's exciting. It is great for the fans, the media, the team, everyone. We are going to give it the best shot we can, collectively as a team, and hopefully we can come out on top."
Hamilton simply has to finish in the top five to become champion, and naturally that drew questions as to his target – the win or a solid points finish as McLaren could still take the constructors' title.
"There is no conflict of interest," stated Hamilton. "It is quite simple really, we are here to win, but the fact we don't have to, it is not do or die, is a weight off our shoulders. We are here with a strong package, with the hope we can challenge for the win because we have not come here to finish further down the order. But to win the constructors' title would naturally be great for the team. They would deserve it as they have worked so hard."
Hamilton also dismissed the possibility of underhand tactics wrecking his title ambitions as former team manager Eddie Jordan suggested may happen.
Hamilton said: "I believe every driver here is a great sportsman and we're all very competitive. I just have to trust and believe in everybody and hope we can have a fair, straight race."
