Hamilton has said all along he is not feeling the pressure this weekend,
despite being on the cusp of a second title, and it showed in practice. The
29-year-old looked at ease, beating team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg
in both sessions. Williams
remain the only danger.
“It could be a little more difficult for them [Mercedes] this weekend, because
Williams are going to be strong,” Button said. “They are strong in low-speed
corners, they have very good traction here, and very good straight-line
speed. They’re going to challenge Mercedes. And that’s probably the biggest
challenge.
“But hopefully both the Mercedes drivers realise that and they’re ready for
that to happen. Because if they’re not they’re going to get shot.”
Hamilton seemed satisfied with his day’s running, ending with the fastest lap
in 1min 42.113sec. “When you know you have a package as competitive as ours,
it’s like being a kid at Christmas,” he said. “I don’t feel any particular
pressure. I’ll just drive the way I always drive and what will be, will be.”