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SILVERSTONE, England - Lewis Hamilton has stepped-up the off-track battle ahead of his home British Formula 1 GP here by declaring he has "the edge" on team mate Nico Rosberg on sheer "ability".
It is the latest shot in the psychological war between the two Mercedes drivers as Hamilton faces the task of closing down German Rosberg's 29-point championship lead over the remaining 11 GP's.
According to the UK's Daily Star newspaper, Hamilton suggested much of his points deficit was due simply to his two technical retirements in 2014. He doubts Rosberg will strike the same trouble.
'EDGE IS MY ABILITY'
"That would mean in the next 11 races Nico would need to have two he does not finish and I do not think that is going to happen," said the 2008 F1 champion. "I cannot rely on that, I just have to focus on doing better than him - I'm capable of that.
"The edge I have is in my ability. That is the gift I have and I have to use it this year more than ever."
Hamilton is expounding a common theory in the F1 paddock: that he has the slight edge on Rosberg in speed. Yet another equally common tale is that Rosberg often makes up for any deficit with a more calculating approach.
Foiur-times F1 champ Alain Prost, whose style of winning earned him the nickname 'The Professor' told Germany's Auto Bild: "Rosberg is fast when he needs to be fast. Above all, he is very clever. Even when he had problems with the car in Canada he kept his cool and brought the car home.
"That's the difference... it may be that Lewis is just a bit faster but Nico has the better overall package."
Also well-placed to comment is Felipe Massa, who went head-to-head with Hamilton in 2008 and came tantalisingly close to denying the Briton of his sole title. He explained this to the UK's Daily Mail: "Lewis was a driver who maybe lost under the pressure when he was fighting for the championship in 2007 and 2008, but maybe he has a little bit more experience now.
"I don't know if that will help but for sure he has more pressure now than Nico."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 British GP this weekend.
It is the latest shot in the psychological war between the two Mercedes drivers as Hamilton faces the task of closing down German Rosberg's 29-point championship lead over the remaining 11 GP's.
According to the UK's Daily Star newspaper, Hamilton suggested much of his points deficit was due simply to his two technical retirements in 2014. He doubts Rosberg will strike the same trouble.
'EDGE IS MY ABILITY'
"That would mean in the next 11 races Nico would need to have two he does not finish and I do not think that is going to happen," said the 2008 F1 champion. "I cannot rely on that, I just have to focus on doing better than him - I'm capable of that.
"The edge I have is in my ability. That is the gift I have and I have to use it this year more than ever."
Hamilton is expounding a common theory in the F1 paddock: that he has the slight edge on Rosberg in speed. Yet another equally common tale is that Rosberg often makes up for any deficit with a more calculating approach.
Foiur-times F1 champ Alain Prost, whose style of winning earned him the nickname 'The Professor' told Germany's Auto Bild: "Rosberg is fast when he needs to be fast. Above all, he is very clever. Even when he had problems with the car in Canada he kept his cool and brought the car home.
"That's the difference... it may be that Lewis is just a bit faster but Nico has the better overall package."
Also well-placed to comment is Felipe Massa, who went head-to-head with Hamilton in 2008 and came tantalisingly close to denying the Briton of his sole title. He explained this to the UK's Daily Mail: "Lewis was a driver who maybe lost under the pressure when he was fighting for the championship in 2007 and 2008, but maybe he has a little bit more experience now.
"I don't know if that will help but for sure he has more pressure now than Nico."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 British GP this weekend.
