Planet-F1

Hamilton misses that winning feeling

Friday 9th May 2008

Lewis Hamilton is becoming increasingly anxious the longer he goes without savouring the sweet taste of success, admitting: "I miss winning."

McLaren star Hamilton stood on the top step of the podium in the season-opening race in Australia, but since then has barely had a sniff of the victory champagne.

Ferrari's reigning World Champion Kimi Raikkonen and team-mate Felipe Massa have ruled the Formula One roost for the last three races.

In particular, in the last two grands prix in Bahrain and Spain it has been a Ferrari 'red-wash' as the Maranello marque has enjoyed a one-two triumph.

That was also the case in last year's Turkish Grand Prix at the Istanbul Park circuit where Massa has won the last two races, and where Raikkonen triumphed with McLaren on the track's debut in 2005.

Heading into Sunday's race it is hard to imagine either not taking the honours again, so extending Hamilton's winless agony.

"This weekend I obviously want to get points, but I want to win. I miss winning, so that's my plan," insisted Hamilton, who trails Championship leader Raikkonen by nine points.

"The longer you go without winning, so the anxiety probably grows because as a racer you want to win.

"I've tasted victory quite a few times, and that's what we're here to do. We're here to win.

"As a driver when you join a team you need to be innovative, have lots of ideas, to have the initiative to keep on pushing the team and asking questions.

"That's the bit I love about this job, so when it comes to the race and all of that comes together and you win, it's one of the best feelings.

"But I've got so much belief. I really do believe in my team and my abilities, and I've no doubts we can do it.

"Although it's easier said than done, I think this weekend we've a good shot.

"I feel very optimistic, fit, happy and I think we can do a good job."

Hamilton at least pushed the Ferrari duo all the way to the line in Barcelona, finishing third and just over three seconds behind race winner Raikkonen.

It could be argued the 23-year-old was aided by two safety-car incidents, one following a serious accident involving team-mate Heikki Kovalainen who has been cleared to race for Sunday.

But a positive Hamilton added: "What was good was that over the course of that weekend we became faster and faster, and then in the race we were again quicker.

"The great thing is we were able to push them (Ferrari) at the end, which I wouldn't say was a relief, but it was a confidence boost for the whole team, including myself.

"Now I know we do have a good package and it is close. We've just got to work even harder to make sure we gain an extra tenth here and there, and I have no doubts we can do that."