Lewis Hamilton remains calm despite suffering his first retirement of the season in Singapore last weekend, and is already focused on returning to the top step of the podium this weekend in Japan.
The Mercedes AMG PETRONAS driver was running fourth and keeping up with the trio of drivers ahead of him in Singapore despite running the so-called slower tyre, but the Briton has already put it out of his mind to focus on Suzuka.
“Singapore was a strange weekend but I’m chilled about it,” said Hamilton. “It’s been an incredible season so far and I’ve been around long enough now to accept that you can’t win them all.
“So, it’s just a case of leaving that weekend in the past and moving on to the next one.”
Hamilton was happy to finally take victory in Japan last year, and is targeting a second consecutive win at the circuit, although his thoughts like many others will be with the family of Jules Bianchi, who suffered his fateful crash at Suzuka a year ago.
“Japan is always a memorable weekend,” said Hamilton. “Tokyo is one of my favourite cities and Suzuka is definitely one of the greatest tracks in the world – good for overtaking, with some legendary corners that have seen historic moments over the years. The fans, too, are incredible – so enthusiastic and welcoming.
“It was great to finally win there last year and that’s the target again. Of course, returning to Suzuka also means we will have Jules in our thoughts and I’ll be sending out strength to his family.”
