I've got a lot of confidence in myself - Hamilton

Following the Chinese Grand Prix, we had a chance to speak to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team driver Lewis Hamilton about the events in Shanghai and how he is preparing for the final race of the season.

"It was fairly straightforward. The team and I made a joint decision to stay out on wet tyres. Kimi and Fernando had three laps more fuel than me. I was going 7/10th of a second faster earlier on and I was eating into my tyres. My mirrors were covered in mud and dirt so I couldn’t see behind me. I couldn’t see David Coulthard, who was behind me, and I told the team to tell his team I couldn’t see him. So also I couldn’t see the condition of my tyres. I wasn’t pushing in those last laps as I knew the tyres were close to the end of their life; the rears were gone and they were down to the canvas. I couldn’t see them but I could feel a big vibration. I was off the dry line going into the pits and I didn’t attack it, I approached with caution but just lost the back end. I tried to avoid the barriers but ended up beached. It wasn’t completely my fault, but it was unfortunate as I was clearly the quickest. I really wanted to win the race and things like that can happen."

"I will approach the race in the same way as always, to win the race. Some part of my mind will be focussed on the end result i.e. winning the World Championship and not the race but I will be going to win. I don’t read the papers generally but I did read one, which said where I had to finish in Brazil to win the World Championship, but can’t remember where it was now! However, I understand the position I’m in and what I have to do. I aim on finishing on the podium and I know that I can’t take any risks. Maybe I took a risk at the last race."

"I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself. It was a hard hit knowing the World Championship was there and I didn’t take it, but it’s still there to win. In spite of having a DNF in China I’m still in the lead and I’ve still got a good chance of winning, so I’m feeling pretty cool as I’m still in the best position to do that. I’m mentally stronger after the weekend in China. Some drivers would be on the back foot, but I’ve taken the negatives and turned them into positives. I’ve had a very good season."

"There are no plans to use it but can if I want to."

"I only use it if I come into the McLaren Technology Centre for development work on the car. I don’t really gain an advantage physically or mentally from it. I’ve played Brazil many times on the Playstation. I play it with my brother and I’ve always won!"

"That’s definitely something I’d like to do. I’m sure I’ll find it emotional and moving to go there. I’ve not thought about going to see his grave but I will think about visiting after the race. Its’ important I have a clear mind going into the race weekend and that would be too emotional to do before the race. I have time as I can stay a couple of days in Brazil after the race."

"I’ll be quite spontaneous as I have nothing planned. I think I will stay with friends, or maybe go to USA afterwards. It’s the end of the season so I can do what I want. This week I will continue my programme with my trainer. I’ll also do some relaxing and play some golf. I’ll see some of my family this weekend and get my energy back after travelling, as I leave for Brazil early next week."

"I have to apologise for keeping them in suspense. But I’m pretty sure they’ll be happy. It’s been a phenomenal year and reading the fans letters from the UK and from all over the world has been fantastic and that, along with the support from my family, gives me a lot and is important to me. I’ve never said I’m going to win but as long as I work hard enough I will do well. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and anything can happen. I’m 22 so I’m going to be here for a while. Stay relaxed and keep supporting me."