“Jenson proved it. He had a fantastic race and it’s definitely a good
start to the year that both of us finished on the podium and in the points.
“It’s still going to be a close season because the Red Bulls are
massively quick, and God knows where they came from on Sunday. We’re still
going to be able to attack, but for us to start at the front is a pretty
good way forward.
“As for me, I definitely do feel as though I’ve got it in myself to go
for the title. I feel as ready as ever. I was ready on Sunday, it’s just
that some things didn’t go my way.”
Hamilton could at least enjoy the support of his mother Carmen and girlfriend
Nicole Scherzinger on Sunday, and left the McLaren paddock with a smile on
his face.
“It’s been positive having her (Scherzinger) around, a positive having my
mum around too. Their support always means a lot,” Hamilton added.
“I hope at some stage this year I’ll have my dad and my brother around,
that would be great as well.
“We’re straight into the next race this weekend (in Malaysia), which is
good. I definitely plan to redeem myself.”
After spending yesterday and today “recovery training”, Hamilton
claims he will get his head focused again from tomorrow.
He said: “It’s about making sure I start off the weekend in the right
way, as I did last weekend.
“But we appear to be the team to beat, which is a good sign. The team
have been working hard for that. It’s definitely the position to be in, and
we’re strong which is also a good place to be.”
However, Hamilton did sound a note of caution, adding: “We can’t get too
carried away with it because even Ferrari were quick in the race.
“As for the Red Bulls, they look as though they have less (tyre)
degradation than us, maybe.
“So it’s too early to tell. In qualifying we were massively quick and
competitive, but they were massively quick in the race.
“They are still a force to be reckoned with. I guess we’re just an edge
ahead, but we can’t get too complacent.
“We’ll look ahead with increased confidence. We just need to get more
one-twos, but we’re there. We’re as quick as them at least.
“Malaysia should be a track where we should be quick again. Let’s hope we
can get a one-two there.”