Lewis Hamilton knows he must find consistency if he is to reclaim the Formula One world title this season.
Former world champion says consistency is key
Lewis Hamilton knows he must find consistency if he is to reclaim the Formula One world title this season.
The 2008 world champion sits sixth in the drivers' standings after three races but is only eight points adrift of current leader Felipe Massa of Ferrari, who has 39 points going into the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend.
McLaren driver Hamilton has endured a mixed season so far, having made a bright start with third place in Bahrain before landing two consecutive sixth-placed finishes in Australia and Malaysia.
Frustration
The Briton has suffered frustration on and off the track during the last two race weekends, but outstanding drives in both races have kept him on the fringes of the leading pack going into Shanghai.
"At the moment it is very close and I am hoping it stays like that for some time," said Hamilton.
"Anything can happen and it can happen to any of us.
"We just have to try and stay as consistent as possible and we can't afford too many DNFs (did not finish). Each team is trying to remain as consistent as possible right now."
The drivers' championship could have easily taken a different turn by now had reliability issues not denied Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel victories in Bahrain and Australia.
The German finally bagged his first win of the season in Sepang after the team's mechanical problems were seemingly resolved, and Hamilton is certain Red Bull will once again present tough competition in Shanghai.
"At the last race weekend we seemed to be very competitive with them (Red Bull) in practice but in the race their pace was better," added Hamilton.
"The Red Bulls and the Ferraris are the ones to beat here and you don't know what other updates Mercedes have brought here so for me it is the same as the other races."
Memories
The Shanghai International Circuit evokes mixed memories for Hamilton, who suffered a severe blow to his title hopes in his debut season in 2007 when he ran wide into the gravel trap and was forced to retire for the first time in his career.
The Brit went on to win the race and the championship the following year, and believes the ups and downs he has experienced on the circuit have contributed to making him a better driver.
"I definitely know where the gravel trap is now so I won't be doing that again," he said.
"A few years down the line I think I am now able to understand and make the right calls, but I don't think we as a team will put us in that position again."
