Lewis Hamilton insists that he always retained belief in his talent even during trying times last season.
McLaren finding momentum at just the right time
Lewis Hamilton insists that he always retained belief in his talent even during trying times last season.
Having lost out on the World title on the final day of his maiden F1 season in 2007, he hit back to claim the laurels in 2008.
But the Briton suffered a slump in his third season, recording only two race wins as he stuttered to fifth place overall.
Heading into 2010, Hamilton maintains that he had no doubt he could bounce-back to achieve bigger and better things.
"To be honest, I think I get better every year," Hamilton told
The Guardian.
"That's not meant to sound like me blowing smoke up my arse but you get experienced. My first year was amazing but there were so many holes I fell down. If I went back to 2007 now [when he lost the Championship in the final race] I'd blitz that year no problem. I really would because I've had that experience.
"I've never doubted my ability in F1. The last time I did was when I moved to single-seaters [10 years ago]. There was a lot of pressure from Dad and Ron Dennis [the former McLaren team principal]. It was horrible and I was having to study at the same time. People were just attacking me and it was hard work. But I pulled through," he added.
Upturn
Having got off to a mediocre start this season, Hamilton and the McLaren team have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes, recording consecutive 1-2 finishes in Turkey and Canada followed by Hamilton collecting second and Button third in Valencia.
The 25-year-old admits that it is exciting times at the Woking-based team, as they look to push home the momentum gained over rivals Red Bull in the last three races.
"There's definitely a good momentum building in our team," added Hamilton.
"We're very strong and the car is getting better and better. I think I've driven as well as I've ever done but at the start of the season things were just not going my way.
"But winning in Canada was definitely the best weekend I've had all year. It meant I led the Championship again [for the first time since he was world champion in 2008] but what's even nicer is waking up knowing you've won the race.
Emotions
"The season is so long you don't really get to celebrate. It just builds up throughout the year and you store it and, hopefully, at the end you get to let all the emotions out.
"In terms of pure challenge and greatness if I was to win this world championship it would be just a remarkable achievement. I'm working as hard as I can to do it. My dream is to win three World Championships - and to emulate Ayrton Senna - but just to get the second is bloody hard."
