”Probably after the first couple of races it’s something we will probably
want to get out of the way.
”We can then focus on the rest of the year without the team being concerned
and without it being something hanging around, so then you guys (the media)
won’t have to ask questions about it.
”So I’ll try to get that out of the way at some stage, probably in the
earlier part of the year rather than later.”
After appearing a tortured soul at the end of last season as the pain of his
break-up with girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger compounded a number of on-track
accidents, Hamilton is convinced he has rid himself of the mental demons
that plagued him.
A determined Hamilton said: ”I want to win every race. I think I can.
”I think I’ve the ability to. If the car is where we hope there’s no reason
why we can’t do that.
”The only thing that ever gets in your way is your own mind and your own
insecurities or obstacles that you put in your way.
”The most important thing is to put those things aside and to overcome them,
and I think I have.
”So I feel right. Standing right in front of you I feel stronger than I was a
few months ago particularly, but even more so than I was last year at the
start of the year.”
Unlike Hamilton who wintered in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Button opted
for the sunnier climes of Hawaii.
Now it is a question of what kind of car McLaren have built, which will be
given its first airing by the 32-year-old on the opening day of the first
test in Jerez next Tuesday.
”I came back on the 5th of January and I spent a few days here at the factory
seeing how the new car was coming along,” said Button.
”I also did some work in the simulator, so it’s been a really good winter.
The whole team will say the same in terms of what’s been happening with the
car.
”My head is definitely in the right place, and it’s nice to have spent quite
a bit of time here feeling the mood, spending time with the guys within the
team, running through everything.”