Title leader Hamilton declares "I've managed to fight my way back from whatever has come my way and my approach doesn't change for this race. Rosberg insists "I still have the chance."
Tuesday 25 November 2014 17:40, UK
Lewis Hamilton has declared “I’m ready to win” as he prepares for the deciding bout in his season-long title duel with Nico Rosberg this weekend.
Hamilton, who has held the championship lead since victory in September’s Singapore GP, is the undoubted title favourite for Sunday’s Abu Dhabi GP showdown given he holds a 17-point championship lead. The 29-year-old will clinch his second world title if he finishes at least second in the race.
Although Hamilton, unlike Rosberg, has past experiences of F1 title deciders – the Briton triumphed in 2008 and was also involved at the final race in both 2007 and 2010 – he has again played down talk that this gives him any significant advantage. Hamilton has also reiterated that he will race to win this weekend.
“People talk about how long it's been since I won the title - but I honestly feel like I'm fighting for my first World Championship all over again,” Hamilton insisted.
“Sure, I'm older and maybe a little bit wiser than I was back then. I've learnt a lot in the years since 2008 - but I'm still the same driver. I still have the same hunger, the same will to win, and I've been giving it everything I've got from the word go this season. I've had ups and downs along the way - but I've never once given up.
“I've managed to fight my way back from whatever has come my way and my approach doesn't change for this race.”
Hamilton’s candidature to close out the title in Abu Dhabi is bolstered by his enviable record around the futuristic Yas Marina circuit, although the Briton is also quick to point out he lost a near-certain victory there for McLaren in 2012 through unreliability. He hopes technical matters don’t intervene on Sunday to settle his duel with Rosberg.
“Last year was actually the only time I've not started on the front row or finished on the podium,” Hamilton added.
“But I've also had some misfortune there over the years - particularly in 2012. I'm hoping that bad luck won't play a part this time around and I know that the team has been working flat out to make sure it doesn't. I'm feeling relaxed, I'm feeling confident and I'm ready to win.”
While Rosberg ended his four-month victory drought last time out to beat Hamilton to victory in Brazil, the German knows his title destiny is not in his own hands given even a double-points victory on Sunday will not be enough for the crown if the sister Mercedes finishes second again.
Nonetheless, having already enjoyed by far the most successful season of his nine-year F1 career, Rosberg insists he still has a chance and is ready to give it everything to overhaul Hamilton at the last.
“The gap is smaller than before and I absolutely believe I still have the chance to take the title in Abu Dhabi. It won't be easy, but I'll be full attack - just as I have been all season,” Rosberg said.
“Although this has been my first year fighting for a World Championship, I've never felt more comfortable than I have done this year. The team behind us have done an incredible job and it's great that they've given both of us equal opportunity to compete with each other. There have been difficult moments just as there have been amazing moments - but this is what Formula 1 is all about and I hope that everyone watching at home has enjoyed the story of this battle as much as I have.
“Win or lose, double points or no double points, I feel proud of what I have achieved this year and especially proud to have been a part of this fantastic season for the Silver Arrows. I go into this race with no fear and with every belief that this can be my title. It's not over until that flag drops!”
Team boss Toto Wolff is simply hoping that the kind of technical problems which have struck both W05s at various points of the season don't recur to effectively settle the championship.
“It is now down to us to ensure that this fascinating year concludes in the right way by giving Lewis and Nico a platform to settle the title purely on the track," Wolff admitted.
“It is fantastic for the sport to have such a finale in what has been one of the great seasons of Formula 1. I for one cannot wait to watch the race in Abu Dhabi and I'm sure those at home feel the same. May the best man win!”
