Lewis Hamilton says he’s more relaxed prior to the start of a new season than he has ever been before, following one of McLaren’s best winters yet.
The 2008 world champion endured a fraught 2011 season with several on-track and off-track clashes which have led him to concentrate on getting into the right mindset for the new year.
“I actually feel more relaxed and ready for the new season than I think I’ve ever done,” said Hamilton. “Everything has gone smoothly with the car – which is more than we can say for last year! – and it just seems to be a responsive and reliable package.
“Obviously, this is always the time of year when you’re feeling positive, but we’ve got plenty to look forward to. I’m going to get off the plane in Australia with a big smile on my face.”
The Brit has relatively low expectations for the first race however, with a strong points finish being his main aim.
“It’s a realistic aim: to score some useful points and use the race to kickstart our challenge for the world championship,” he added. “That might sound like we’re aiming low – we’re not – but, at this time of year, it’s good to remember that it’s going to be a very long season.
“There’s no point putting all your eggs in one basket – I’d love to win in Melbourne, sure, but there are 19 races afterwards, so it’ll be important to get some points on the board. As long as I can leave Australia feeling confident that we have a car that’s able to fight for the title, then I’ll feel happy. It’s as simple as that.”
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