Motor racing

Hamilton to go full tilt for Formula 1 title

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton said he would "put the hammer down" for the rest of the Formula One season to win races and wrest the title from Ferrari.

"They (Ferrari) are strong just everywhere but so are we," the 23-year-old Briton told Reuters Television ahead of his home grand prix at Silverstone this week.

"I really think the next 10 races, the second part of the season, is really when we put the hammer down and when we rise above the rest," he said after racing model cars with patients from the Great Ormond Street hospital for children at the headquarters of team sponsors Abbey.

Hamilton led the championship after winning the Monaco Grand Prix last month but has failed to score points in his last two outings.

The Briton, who lost the title battle to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen by a single point last year, is now fourth overall in the standings led by Ferrari's Brazilian Felipe Massa.

"I plan on winning as many races as possible for the rest of the season," said Hamilton. "I want to get more wins, that's what we all work for. And I really do believe we can do that. You've just got to be in the right place at the right time.

"You've got to learn to take a step back and realise okay, you don't have to do anything, just drive the way you normally drive and you will be fine, you will get by," added the youngster.

"And you know with a bit of luck we will pull together as a team and win this championship.

"And I feel better prepared than ever before to win this championship, so even though it is very close it makes it more exciting for me and for the team and the world watching, but you know it is a great season."

Raikkonen won at Silverstone last season after Hamilton, who finished third, had taken pole position on his first Formula One race appearance in front of his home fans.

"Last year it was incredible how much support I had," said Hamilton.

"This year it's even more, so I am even more nervous but excited at the same time to see the atmosphere and see how much support I have. But I know it will give me a lot of good vibes."

Hamilton said he had not been affected by setbacks in Canada, where he drove into the back of Raikkonen's stationary Ferrari in the pit lane, and France where he was penalised 10 places on the starting grid and then handed a drive-through penalty in the race.

"It's just part of the learning curve. You have your ups and downs and in life, we expect to have ups and downs and if you don't then that's not reality," he said.

"This is motor racing, the pinnacle of motor sport, and for sure there are going to be some very tough times," added the McLaren driver.