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User avatar
By darwin dali
#245268
ESPNF1:
Hamilton won't accept mediocrity

Lewis Hamilton has suggested he will look back on his career as a failure if he does not add to his solitary Formula One Drivers' title.

The Briton heads into the new F1 season, which gets underway in Melbourne next weekend, aware that his McLaren team is under pressure. The MP4-26 has looked off the pace in testing and has completed less miles than any other team.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is the bookmakers' favourite to defend his title, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso next best, while Hamilton's chances are viewed as those of an outsider following a tough pre-season.

The 26-year-old is happy with life at McLaren, claiming he feels privileged to be part of the team, but has warned that he will not tolerate mediocrity.

"I am not here to race 10 years and only win one or two world championships," he told the Observer. "I want to be one of the most successful F1 drivers of this generation so I do want to win more world championships and I think you have to continue winning and prove yourself time after time for people to really know that you are the best."

The 2011 season is likely to be a tough slog for Hamilton but the 2008 champion has every confidence the team can keep him competitive at the front of the grid.

"Look at the history of McLaren, they are an incredible team," he said. "I haven't been to other factories, but McLaren have some of the greatest people I have ever met in the team."The way they treat their drivers is fantastic. It is a great place to go to work and I feel privileged to be part of the team. They are fighters and I am a fighter."



Good luck with that! :hehe:
#245270
He had a fair shot at his multiple WDC last year with a car that was clearly not the best car on the grid. So I wouldn't bet against him getting a few more under his belt.

<EDIT> since we know what this thread has the potential of turning into, let's keep our comments concise and on topic.
User avatar
By scotty
#245271
Oh man, this is one loaded thread... :hehe:

Thing is you can make a convincing case for more than a few current drivers in the same vein, so a mutliple title win is no mean feat at the moment and is by no means a given. Nigel Mansell is a good example, was his career a 'failure'? Nope, yet he only got one title, despite probably deserving more. Obviously Hamilton can win several still, but it looks like he and several others will have to wait until Red Bull's domination eventually fades...
User avatar
By Jensonb
#245274
I'm just gonna say it.

He'd be crazy to leave McLaren if all he cares about is winning.
#245279
I'm just gonna say it.

He'd be crazy to leave McLaren if all he cares about is winning.


I dont think it is all he cares about. And I dont think he wants to leave McLaren
User avatar
By killem2
#245326
Good for him. I want him to fight for his wins. F1 needs it. I also think he has the ability to do it. But he has to get over this constant "the car isn't good enough..." he needs to just suck it up and start the blitz.
#245328
If you put the title with only what he said (cutting out all the crap the media wrote in):

Hamilton won't accept mediocrity

"I am not here to race 10 years and only win one or two world championships," he told the Observer. "I want to be one of the most successful F1 drivers of this generation so I do want to win more world championships and I think you have to continue winning and prove yourself time after time for people to really know that you are the best."

"Look at the history of McLaren, they are an incredible team," he said. "I haven't been to other factories, but McLaren have some of the greatest people I have ever met in the team."The way they treat their drivers is fantastic. It is a great place to go to work and I feel privileged to be part of the team. They are fighters and I am a fighter."

____________________________________________

The title immediately suggests that he is unhappy with McLaren. Taking the title out, all he says is he targets many WDCs and McLaren is the best team to do it in. This is how media propaganda can mess with the minds!

I hope Lewis wins 10 WDCs! All with McLaren...since he's the one who stopped the teams >10 year trophy drought! :yes:
User avatar
By F1er
#245337
McLaren has given Lewis a winner 4 out of 4 seasons,and he's very lucky.His old buddies from GP2 Kubi,Nico,Buemi etc have a total of ONE victory to their name and that belongs to Kubi.
He would be nuts to leave.

Patience son patience :)
#245346
McLaren has given Lewis a winner 4 out of 4 seasons,and he's very lucky.His old buddies from GP2 Kubi,Nico,Buemi etc have a total of ONE victory to their name and that belongs to Kubi.
He would be nuts to leave.

Patience son patience :)


No Lewis Has made the mclaren win 4 seasons out of 4 seasons. It had no right to a place at the front of the grid for some of that time. And he's still there, hasnt even thought of not being. So i reckon he has patience, and from what he said Im sure he realises how lucky he is to drive for a great team like McLaren.
#245347
Are you suggesting Lewis carried the car?? I admire the guy, but must admit I find it tough to believe he can actually defy physics. :hehe:

He has achieved the most of what the car has allowed him to, which is exactly what the team want from him.
#245348
time lewis time my son, you will do it, and please dont leave mclaren, id be gutted!,
User avatar
By Jamie
#245350
I agree, after his F1 title he has been a little laid back and has had some terrible seasons, given if he didn't throw away asm uch as he did in 2010? I believe he would of been in the running for the 2010 WDC! But in 2011 I personally think give it 5 races he will be fighting for the title, I have a good feeling for Hammy this season.
#245499
Finally, if he had done it a bit earlier maybe he would have a couple WDCs lined up now!

(Putting his foot down that is :wink: )
#245502
I agree, after his F1 title he has been a little laid back and has had some terrible seasons, given if he didn't throw away asm uch as he did in 2010? I believe he would of been in the running for the 2010 WDC! But in 2011 I personally think give it 5 races he will be fighting for the title, I have a good feeling for Hammy this season.


Laid back?? And how much did he 'throw it away' in 2010?

Mind you, I am fully aware you're no Lewis hater, but I'm just curious how you came to these conclusions. :wink:
#245537
I read two different sides to his comments.
1. He loves, respects and knows McLaren are winners.
2. If a lapse in performance is consistant he could possibly look for a new team/challenge.

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