McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton says he isn’t content with just a single world championship title to his name.
The 26-year-old feels he needs three or more to prove he’s the best of his generation.
The 2008 world champion narrowly missed out on his first title in his rookie year when he finished runner-up to Kimi Raikkonen by a single point.
He finally secured his first, and so far, only title in his second season, ironically by a single point over Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.
The following two season have seen him finish fifth and fourth in 2009 and 2010 respectively. This, Hamilton says, isn’t enough.
“I am not here to race 10 years and only win one or two world championships,” Hamilton told the Observer.
“I want to be one of the most successful F1 drivers of this generation so I do want to win more world championships and I think you have to continue winning and prove yourself time after time for people to really know that you are the best.
“I can’t say right now that people can say he was clearly the best in the world. I have only been here for four years so I have got a lot more to do.”
The comments could be seen as a warning shot at McLaren, who again look to be off the lead pace. Hamilton however is adamant the Woking-based team is the place to be.
“Look at the history of McLaren. They are an incredible team. I haven’t been to other factories, but McLaren have some of the greatest people I have ever met in the team,” he said.
“The way they treat their drivers is fantastic. It is a great place to go to work and I feel privileged to be part of the team. They are fighters and I am a fighter.”