Hamilton hits back at Rosberg: Consistency won my F1 titles

Lewis Hamilton has responded to claims made by former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg suggesting the reigning Formula 1 world champion has “inconsistencies” that can be taken advantage of. 

Rosberg, who was Hamilton’s teammate at Mercedes between 2013-2016, recently moved to reveal how the Briton’s rivals could beat him to the F1 world championship in 2018, claiming Hamilton’s biggest weakness was falling into spells of inconsistent form. 

Having lost out to Hamilton in direct intra-team title fights in both 2014 and 2015, Rosberg finally came out on top against his fierce rival to claim his maiden title at the 2016 season-finale in Abu Dhabi, before retiring from the sport just days later. 

But Hamilton hit back at Rosberg’s claims, citing his impressive record from last season as he recorded 11 pole positions and nine race victories on his way to wrapping up his fourth world championship title with two races to spare.

“I think I’ve proved that that’s not the case last year,” Hamilton said. “I think there’s a lot of people who need to get headlines and that’s one way of saying it. 

“The goal this year is to be even more consistent than last year. I think consistency is the main reason I won the world championship last year.”

Hamilton said he is not getting drawn on the prospect of matching Juan Manuel Fangio on five drivers’ world titles this year, adding he is solely focused on the search for improvement. 

“You don't think about what could be in the sense of matching others. In my mind, I'm trying to break down new barriers.

“I’m trying to push the envelope, trying to see how far I can take firstly the opportunity that I have and also the ability I have and live to my full potential. I don't know what that is, and that's what I'm discovering.”