F1: Hamilton ready for date with destiny

Oct 20 2007 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

LEWIS HAMILTON heads into the defining race of his career believing it is his destiny to win the Formula One world title.

The first opportunity may have slipped through Hamilton’s fingers 12 days ago at the Chinese Grand Prix when he beached his McLaren in gravel after sliding off the track on severely-worn tyres.

But he has a second chance this weekend in the final race of what has been an often turbulent season, and his self-belief could not be greater ahead of tomorrow’s showdown in Brazil.

Hamilton certainly appreciates just how close he came to a place in the sport’s history books in Shanghai.

It is why his desire to become the first rookie, and the youngest driver, to win the championship in its 58-year history is overwhelming.

“For me, I am so competitive. I always want to over-achieve, I want to achieve more and more and more,” insisted Hamilton.

“I want to win. I want it so bad, and the last race really showed me just how much I want it.

“I’ve been leading the championship now since the third race, and for me that’s just mind-blowing.

“Coming into the season, I was just hoping to do a good job, maybe get some points and podium positions, so I never imagined I would have four race wins and six pole positions.

“But I have the chance to win the world championship this weekend, and if I do, then fantastic.

“It will be a big step in my career and my life.

“If not then I will live to fight another day and I will move on to next year and try to win it then.

“But I feel I was born for this, so I know I’ve got it in me.”

There is a cool, calm, collected edge to Hamilton, unlike in China where he conceded this week to feeling the pressure of the situation.

Not on this occasion, though, even if there is also a certain wide-eyed charm to what he is experiencing at the tender age of 22.

“It’s quite surreal being here. For many years I’ve wanted to come to Brazil and race at Interlagos,” added the young Briton.

“My first real opportunity is now here, and I’m buzzing. I can’t wait. I’m really excited about this.

“I look back and I’ve had a phenomenal season for my first year in Formula One.

“I’m 22 years old and very fortunate to be driving for McLaren.

“I’m very, very privileged to be in the position I am now, and I never thought I would be here, days away from potentially winning the world championship.

“I was in my hotel room yesterday looking out of the window, and I was thinking ’wow!’

“Last year, I was GP2 champion, hoping I’d be in Formula One this year, and I remember discussing with McLaren the possibility of me doing this race last year.

“Now I am here, I’m experienced, I’m leading the championship and it’s just crazy. I can’t believe it, I’m just stunned.

“So I hope it’s a good weekend. I’ll do the best job I can, but the most important thing is to enjoy the whole experience.”

Unlike his title rivals, McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who lie four and seven points adrift, Hamilton is inexperienced in this kind of situation.

It is why he readily concedes he is treading in unknown territory this weekend, but he’s up for the challenge.