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Lewis Hamilton says he is mentally stronger than he’s ever been and adds he doesn’t focus on what Max Verstappen is doing.
In an interview with Sky Sports F1 Lewis Hamilton discussed his 2021 title fight with Max Verstappen. The Briton says he is mentally in the best shape of his career.
“I think mentally, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been,” Hamilton said.
“And I think that’s been a real big part of it. I think I’ve been strong mentally for a long time anyway, but I think that’s solidified me even more.
“And also I don’t get distracted by any of the stuff that’s happening here, I arrive and I do what I love doing. I think that’s been a positive.”
He does admit, though, that there have been ups and down throughout the 2021 season.
“I expected it was going to be a rollercoaster ride. It’s been amazing, it’s been the hardest year on so many levels, but there’s been so many positives and I have really, really enjoyed it, even the difficult days.
“It definitely could be better in the sense that we’ve dropped points, we’ve not always been perfect, but you live and you learn and I feel like things happen the way they happen for a reason.
“And we’ve learnt a lot, we’ve pulled together after all these experiences we’ve had, win or lose, and I love the place I am in with my team.
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“Particularly the things we’re doing off-track together, I’ve always been proud of my team an what we’ve achieved together.
“But this push that we’ve started on diversity and inclusion, kind of being that pebble that creates an effect that hopefully others follow in the industry has been something I’m so proud to be a part of.”
Hamilton was also asked to comment on the fact that Max Verstappen might be feeling a lot of pressure due to this being his first title fight.
However, the Briton thinks Max is better prepared for the fight than he himself was back when he won his first title in 2008, in only his second Formula 1 season.
“I don’t spend a moment thinking what might or what might not be a distraction for him, that doesn’t bother me either way.
“If I do my job to the best of my abilities, I don’t have a problem. That’s how I approach my job.
“My first title? It was horrendous. The journey was terrible, but he’s what, six years in? I was in my second year,” concluded the seven-time champion.
