Hamilton hunger to win 'maybe more' than ever

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has said that his hunger to win this season is just as strong since he started back in 2007 and may have grown more since then.

The 35-year-old will be looking to chase down his seventh Drivers’ Championship and equal the long-standing record held by Michael Schumacher.

Speaking to the press after the day of testing in Barcelona, Hamilton said: “I would say it's easily the same, if not maybe more, but I'm able to channel that drive that I have to be much more methodical.”

The British driver admitted that his style of racing before was less organised with no real thought about it compared to now, where through steep learning curves the six-time World Champion knows what does an doesn’t work.

“Before it was just all-out crazy, no real structure, no real balance. Through experience, trial and error, I know where I need to apply my energy, where to save and conserve it.”

Hamilton pleased with 'really good start' to testingThings have started well for Mercedes in pre-seasonRead more

After such a dominate display last season, Hamilton is very much looking forward to a tighter fight with rivals Ferrari and Red Bull after they started to get closer ever so slightly later in the season.”

“ You saw it at the end of last year, that the gap was closing between Ferrari and Red Bull, and I anticipate that will be the same this year and we have a closer battle.

“I’m down for that. From my point of view, it makes it more rewarding when it goes the way that I want it to go."

The Silver Arrows racer admitted that being on the track with other competitors is his main love for racing.

“I race because I love racing other cars. I don't like driving around on my own on a track, that's for sure.”

Related

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton drops Mercedes BOMBSHELL ahead of Las Vegas GP

• Yesterday 20:02

F1 Today

F1 News Today: Hamilton FRUSTRATION revealed as seven-time champion makes LAST RACE announcement

• Yesterday 15:33