In an interview with the media today, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has set his sights on joining the ‘greats of Formula 1’ in finally winning at Suzuka on Sunday on a weekend in which he is also aiming to consolidate his newly-gained leadership of the World Championship.
Although Hamilton has enjoyed victory in Japan at a rain-lashed Fuji in 2007 in what remains one of the most impressive wins of his career, he has a more patchy record at Suzuka since the famous figure-of-eight circuit returned to the calendar in 2009 (see his results below).
Lewis Hamilton’s record at Suzuka so far:-
2009: Started 3rd, Finished 3rd.
2010: Started 8th, Finished 5th.
2011: Started 3rd, Finished 5th.
2012: Started 9th, Finished 5th.
2013: Started 3rd, DNF.
Hamilton’s third-place finish from that ’09 campaign represents his only podium at the track many drivers consider the best in F1, with his record since showing three consecutive fifth-place finishes and then an early-race retirement last year following a first-corner clash with Sebastian Vettel.
With a Suzuka front-row start also having escaped Hamilton in his five previous attempts, he is determined to make the most of the fastest car in the field and join a roll of honour which is headed by multiple title winners Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen.
In his interview with the media today, Hamilton has stated his desire and intention to be successful this weekend in Suzuka. Hamilton stated the following:-
‘I’ve never won at this circuit and have only made the podium once, on my first visit way back in 2009. I’ve had a couple of chances and last season was probably the best of those.
‘This year, though, we have an exceptional car and I’m really hoping I’ll finally have my shot at the top step. All the greats of Formula 1 have won at Suzuka since the sport first came there in the 1980s and I’m determined to add my name to that list this weekend.’
It is clear to all that Hamilton has the momentum, the passion and the desire to be successful this weekend at Suzuka and wants to take his first victory at the circuit and join the greatest drivers of the sport who have won the event too. His record at the Suzuka circuit hasn’t been the best that he could of achieved but as he rightly says, he is in a better position to capitalise and make his objective a reality.
Hamilton heads to Japan chasing a third consecutive win following his successes in Monza and Singapore, results which, combined with long-time title leader Rosberg’s retirement at the last race, have given Hamilton a slender three-point championship advantage.
With Mercedes stressing their commitment to improving their reliability record over the past week, Hamilton is hopeful his season-long duel with Rosberg is decided by driving ability alone over the final five races. Further in his interview, Hamilton added the following about their reliability issues:-
‘Of course, it was disappointing for the team to have another retirement but I know they have made this a priority moving forwards. It’s levelled things up in the Drivers’ Championship, so hopefully we’ll now have a straight battle right to the flag in Abu Dhabi.’
As Hamilton says himself, it is disappointing for the Mercedes team to have another retirement and Hamilton believes that the team are making this a priority. Even though it has made the championship level up as he has stated, it is clear that the battle between himself and Rosberg will be heading to the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi.
But overall, I would have to agree with Hamilton and I feel this is best chance of winning the Suzuka race and joining drivers such as Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen who have won here. There is no doubt that Hamilton has the best car on the grid and will be in the best position possible to win the Grand Prix.
But Hamilton has to ensure that he works as hard as he has in the last few races which is achieving the right set up and getting Pole Position which will help him achieve his objective of winning in Japan on Sunday. But he will still have to do the business on Sunday where it matters; which is on the track.
But with the current form that Hamilton is in after winning two consecutive races in Monza and Singapore and gaining the championship lead ahead of his team mate, you can be sure that Hamilton will want to extend his advantage and will be pushing himself as hard as he can in order to achieve this. And the time has never been more crucial for Hamilton to once again show what he can do and in the process show why he is regarded as one of the fastest drivers on the grid today.
But can Hamilton set out what he wants to do which is to win at Suzuka and join the F1 greats? We shall have to wait and see what happens this weekend and see if Hamilton does indeed join the line of F1 greats who have won at this prestigious circuit and also extends his lead in the championship too.
