MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton began practice on Friday (Oct 28) at this weekend's potentially-decisive Mexican Grand Prix accepting he probably needs three wins out of three races to have any chance of retaining his world title.
But, he said, he felt more relaxed than normal because there are so many factors beyond his control that may decide the outcome of his duel with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Rosberg holds a 33-point lead over Hamilton with three races to go and knows that a win on Sunday (Oct 30) could bring his maiden title if Hamilton scores only one point or none at all.
"My approach it the same as normal, as at every race," said the 31-year-old Englishman who kept his title hopes alive with victory in the United States Grand Prix last weekend.
"Maybe slightly more relaxed than I have been at others because I've accepted that there are things that are out of my powers, out of my control.
"All I can do is control what's in the car and what I do. So long as I focus and put all my energy towards that, then hopefully I can get results as I did last weekend.
"But if I don't, then you move forwards. I don't think I'll be taking more risks than I usually do. I think I'm a relatively a risky driver, but I don't think I will be taking more than others.
"I will definitely be cautious of my surroundings, as I always am.
"I'm going for it, that's for sure. While my heart's still beating, I still have that drive to win and there's still an opportunity, even if it's only one per cent.
"I'm going to be going for it. If there's any time for me to be the best I've ever been, it's now - in these last three races." Hamilton added that he will be listening closely to his engine, worrying about a possible failure, all the way to the end of the season.
"That will happen until we cross the flag in Abu Dhabi," he said. "I have a feeling it will happen more often because I'm on my eighth engine and I've experienced a lot more than the other side has had to this year.
"I'm confident that everyone is doing everything they can. The guys are working so hard to make sure nothing happens, moving forwards, but again there are things that are just out of our hands.
"Often this year, there are things that are just out of our control that have happened and the most important thing is that we have learned from them and grown from them and will continue to do so."
