Lewis is driving for respect

Young driver is hoping to win more than just the F1 title

By Claire Hughes   Last updated: 29th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lewis is driving for respect

Hamilton: Hoping for respect

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Sky Bet are out in front when it comes to markets for Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Can Lewis Hamilton keep his cool and clinch the World Drivers' Championship?

The Briton, 1/7 on, only needs to finish ahead of arch rival Felipe Massa to secure his maiden title.

Sky Bet are running a host of in-race markets including outrights, fastest lap, total finishers, winning margin and more.

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Lewis Hamilton believes that his driving will one day earn him the respect it deserves.

The 23-year-old is on the brink of becoming the youngest world champion in Formula One history.

Despite that, he has yet to win back public opinion having been heavily criticised in recent weeks for his driving style and attitude.

But Hamilton knows that if he can repeat the performance that won him the Chinese Grand Prix, it will come.

"You do your talking on the track, and the result definitely spoke for itself," he said.

"We will continue to maintain this approach, and hopefully we will win better opinions in the future."

Nightmare

This time last year, Hamilton went into the final two races as the out and out favourite but watched his dream turn to dust - literally - in the infamous gravel-trap episode at Shanghai, and then a nightmare final race that saw Kimi Raikkonen steal the title from under his nose.

But one year on, Hamilton is no longer an inexperienced rookie, and he is confident that having a whole season under his belt will make a huge difference.

"Last year, without the experience, I was a bit lost," reflected Hamilton.

"But this year we go in with a much better approach, a much better package, and I think as a team we can do a much better job.

Right approach

"We need to keep our feet on the ground and head into the race with the approach we had in China. If we are able to do that, then we will be in a great position."

All Hamilton must do to win the championship is finish in the top five, and even if Felipe Massa wins on his home track, Hamilton can finish as low as sixth and still take the title.

But nightmare scenarios aside, the dreams of the young talent can still come true.

"To be in only my second season and to have had as many poles as I have, and as much success, I could only have dreamed of it," added Hamilton.

"It's still a dream even now, and hopefully we can continue with that dream in Brazil.

"We know we don't have to win. We just have to do a solid job, and that has to be our target."

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