McLaren boss believes Hamilton can find another level after win
Last Updated: November 23, 2011 4:31pm
Lewis Hamilton: Backed by his boss to find another level in this weekend's race in Brazil
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes Lewis Hamilton can find another gear in the season-ending showdown in Sao Paulo this weekend.
The British ace was back to his best at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi 10 days ago, recording a morale-boosting win.
His success ended a wretched run of form and means Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button go into Sunday's finale tied on three victories apiece.
As far as Whitmarsh is concerned, it will be a brighter, breezier Hamilton in Brazil this weekend as the 26-year-old will be eager to sign off a predominantly poor campaign in style.
"His win in Abu Dhabi was a great recovery from where he has been in the last few months, and he can do greater things than this," said Whitmarsh.
"There is no reason in my mind why he cannot now raise himself to another level.
"You could see in Abu Dhabi he was pretty happy with his win there, which should enable him to drive with greater confidence and attack that little bit extra."
Challenging
Whitmarsh appreciates the year has been a challenging one for Hamilton, beaten for the first time by a team-mate since he set off in single-seater racing in 2001.
Back-to-back wins with which to end the season would likely go some way towards easing the pain he has endured overall.
Whitmarsh added: "He did a great job in Abu Dhabi, and he will focus on the positive of that.
"He'll now be saying 'right, when can I get to Brazil, I love that circuit', and he'll want to win there.
"With one more race to go, if we can win that then it will be a half-reasonable season.
"We're keen to take our seventh win this year. Lewis and Jenson have scored three wins apiece and each are equally motivated to take their fourth.
"From a team management perspective, that's an excellent position for us to be in."
No pressure
With no pressure on Hamilton, he admits he will simply be out to enjoy himself as he aims for successive wins for the first time since the middle of last year.
"Winning in Abu Dhabi last week was a fantastic feeling, and it's made me even more determined to finish the season with a victory," said Hamilton.
"It would be great to go into the winter off the back of another win, so that'll be my aim.
"Of course, for Jenson and myself, Interlagos is the circuit where we won the world championship so it will always hold happy memories for us.
"In fact, I've only been here once before (in 2009) when I wasn't in contention for the championship.
"This year, with both titles already wrapped up, I want to enjoy myself, and I think we have the car to again make a difference.
"Hopefully we'll pick up where we left off in Abu Dhabi, so we're all set for a great end to the 2011 championship."
Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)
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