Lewis Hamilton "laser-focused" on eighth title - Toto Wolff

Lewis Hamilton with mask — Photo: © LAT Images

Russian Grand Prix

Hamilton "laser-focused" on eighth title - Wolff

Hamilton is five points behind Verstappen in the standings

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 22 September 2021 16:04

Lewis Hamilton is "laser-focused" on delivering a record eighth F1 world championship, according to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

The British driver finds himself behind rival Max Verstappen in the standings once again with the Red Bull driver winning two of the first three races after the summer break.

The pair clashed at the Italian Grand Prix last time out leaving Hamilton five points adrift of the Dutchman with eight races remaining, the first of which at Sochi - a Mercedes stronghold in the past.

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"We're looking forward to racing again in Russia, it is a circuit we've gone well at over the years and both our drivers have enjoyed great results in Sochi," said Wolff.

"We're hoping to continue our run of success in Russia but know that this year is an entirely different beast, and we're expecting another intense weekend.

"Our aim is to pull together a strong weekend, starting in FP1 and building one session at a time."

On Hamilton's determination to seal another title, Wolff added: "Lewis is in the tenth championship battle of his F1 career, and he is laser-focused on what he needs to deliver in the next eight races.

Bottas driving "better than ever"

Valtteri Bottas impressed at Monza having announced his end-of-season switch to Alfa Romeo, with his fastest lap in qualifying followed up with sprint victory and a storming drive from 19th to the podium after an engine penalty.

"He's driving better than ever, like we saw in Monza - and he will be flat out every weekend," explained Wolff.

"There's a calm determination about the team right now and the business end of a season, fighting for championships, is exactly what we enjoy the most."