Grounded Lewis Hamilton not getting ahead of himself in race for another drivers’ title

Lewis Hamilton says he is not getting carried away with his championship advantage after moving to Formula 1’s summit for the first time this season.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain raises his trophy to fans after winning the Chinese Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Ng Han GuanMercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain raises his trophy to fans after winning the Chinese Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Ng Han Guan
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain raises his trophy to fans after winning the Chinese Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Ng Han Guan

Following his victory in China on Sunday, Hamilton moved six points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, and is 31 ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, his rival for the past two years.

After the opening three races in 2017 and last year, Hamilton was adrift of Vettel by seven and nine points respectively, only to claim the title on both occasions with two rounds remaining.

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The 34-year-old is traditionally a slow-starter, so often coming alive in the second half of the year but now has back-to-back wins after finishing runner-up to Bottas in the season-opening race in Australia.

Hamilton, who celebrated his latest triumph by making the 6,500-mile journey from Shanghai to Los Angeles on Sunday evening, is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he pursues a sixth title.

“It is far too early to look at the numbers,” said Hamilton. “We are not going to get ahead of ourselves.

“We will keep our heads down and keep working as we have another tight battle on our hands.

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“There are races ahead which could suit Ferrari more, so it is still up in the air.

“You have to operate to 100 per cent and we are close to doing that.

“We have really delivered and we have to continue to do so.

“The key this year, as it was last season, is to continue delivering near-perfect weekends. That has to be the goal.”

Mercedes became the first constructor since Nigel Mansell’s Williams team in 1992 to start the season with three one-two finishes.

They currently boast the sport’s dominant package, with Ferrari comfortably second-best in China.