> Hamilton determined to stay cool

Lewis Hamilton says he is determined not to let the pressure of the title fight get to him in the deciding rounds.

McLaren has been the focus of intense media attention in recent weeks due to the spying affair and its outcome, as well as Fernando Alonso's deteriorating relationship with the team.

While those storms raged in the background, Hamilton also saw his once-comfortable championship lead over Alonso dwindle to just two points.

But as he geared up for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, the British rookie was adamant that he could ignore the pressure and keep his composure in the final three races.

"I think for every race it's important for me to focus and just remember that it is my first year," Hamilton said.

"I have to remain relaxed and calm.

"Anything can happen."

He also reiterated that he had never expected to be in title contention in his debut season, and did not take the possibility seriously until his first two wins gave him a 10-point lead in the standings in June.

"I went to the first race and I wanted to do a good job, and I was third – my first podium," Hamilton reflected.

"From there, I was continuing to try to do a good job and to learn and hopefully get some more podiums.

"Then we had wins in Montreal and Indianapolis, so then it started to become a reality that maybe we could win the championship this year."




Source: itv-f1