Hamilton 'yet to hit my peak' as he nears sixth F1 title

Lewis Hamilton reckons he is yet to reach his peak in Formula 1 as he looks to become a six-time world champion at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

Hamilton holds a 74-point lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and needs to score just four points in Austin on Sunday to be crowned world champion and wrap up his sixth drivers’ world title in the process.

But the Briton, who has won all but two of the seven races to be held at the Circuit of the Americas since the Texas venue joined the F1 calendar in 2012, says he is not getting ahead of himself despite finding himself of the cusp of becoming just the second driver in history to win six or more titles.

“I never thought I would have five titles,” Hamilton said. “I’m already continuing to achieve dreams that I didn’t think I would have.

“I feel privileged to have the five I have. If I get the sixth, it would be pretty unreal. Naturally, I’m going to be racing for more years - I want to win every year. But it’s not always the case.

“Some people don’t even have one. I just have to be grateful for those I do have. I don’t think I have hit my peak yet, so that’s comforting.

“I plan to continue to get stronger. Who knows what the future holds. I’ll be pushing more than ever in these following years.

“I’ve got to get there first and anything can happen in these next three races, so nothing is a given.

“I’m just approaching it exactly as I have all year long, one race at a time. Naturally coming to Austin has been a good race for us in the past.

“It wasn’t so great for us last year but it’s a good hunting ground in general, so I’m going to be pushing this weekend to finish what I have to finish, but it’s going to be a challenge again with the temperatures and the wind.

“I really can’t tell you how it would feel but I approach every year as if it’s the first. Everyone starts from a clean slate and that will be the same next year. We are all fighting for that world title and I’m still chasing it.”

Hamilton believes the improvements he has made in races has been the key to his success this year, having racked up 10 victories despite only starting from pole position on four occasions.

“I think consistency and my strength in the race has taken another step compared to last year,” he explained.

“I would say the races particularly are what have earned me the wins. I’ve only had four poles but I’ve had 10 wins so I would say.

“I would also say my understanding of strategy was even stronger this year and how to utilise the tyres and make decisions in terms of calls on the tyres strategy-wise. Otherwise just keeping a level head and continuing to stay focused.”

Additional reporting by Julianne Cerasoli