Hamilton Set To Go One Lap Further

Mar 9 2008

LEWIS HAMILTON last night insisted he's ready to grab the Formula One crown after finishing second in one of the most explosive debut seasons in the sport's history.

The English kid burst on to the scene with some stunning displays but faced constant off-field strife.

As F1's first black driver, Hamilton had enough pressure to deal with during his maiden campaign.

But jealous McLaren colleague Fernando Alonso cranked up the heat by spitting out the dummy when team bosses refused to treat him as No.1.

The sulking Spaniard sparked a series of rows with Hamilton as the pair slugged it out for the world title.

And to make matters worse McLaren then became involved in the Spygate scandal with rivals Ferrari as political wars cast a shadow over the sport.

To complete Hamilton's misery he blew a 12-point lead in the last two races to gift the title to Kimi Raikkonen.

That heartbreak would have ruined a lesser man but the 23-year-old insists it has only made him stronger. This year's championship kicks off in Australia this weekend and Hamilton has already been subjected to more hard times.

Idiotic Spanish fans racially abused him during testing last month but the youngster claims nothing can stand in the way of his coronation as F1 king.

He said: "With the experience of last year I feel stronger. As a driver I have developed so much in one season.

"Kimi beat me for the title but that just makes me more determined.

"I know his strengths now. Over a year you get to understand what type of person they are and whether you are safe around them on the track or not. You find out where you can beat them."

Hamilton won't have to put up with any infighting this season as Alonso has moved on to Renault.

Lewis gets on much better with new team-mate Heikki Kovalainen and is happy with life at McLaren.

He said: "My relationship with the team is better than ever.

"When you go through an experience with a group of people it builds tension.

"But at the end of it the relationship grows and McLaren know I would do anything for the team.

"With fewer political problems maybe I will enjoy this season a lot more.

"With Heikki I don't need to force conversation. He is happy to start and can talk for ages.

"I hope what happened last year makes Alonso more determined. I know I'm more determined to beat him."