Formula One: Hamilton: “I don't plan on playing any psychological games”

“Right now I am solely focused on qualifying. My focus is I need that pole position, that is my goal and what I am gunning for.”

By Sreejith

Published: Saturday, November 26, 2016, 12:53 [IST]

British driver Lewis Hamilton rejects the ideas that he was playing mind games with his teammate and championship leader Nico Rosberg. He also insisted that he is 'solely focused' on aiming for pole position at the F1 title decider at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.

Formula One: Hamilton: “I don't plan on playing any psychological games”

The reigning champion topped the Friday free practice with a best lap of 1m 40.861s, followed by Rosberg. The German was only 0.079s down on Hamilton. There is a 12-point gulf between the Silver Arrow pilots.

Hamilton said that it is important to claim the pole position because at Yas Marina Circuit, it is very difficult to overtake others. He also commented that he hasn't been keeping an eye on how the Red Bull or Ferrari drivers have performed.

He said, "Right now I am solely focused on qualifying. My focus is I need that pole position, that is my goal and what I am gunning for.

"Then tomorrow night I can start to think about what I am going to do in the race but right now zero per cent of my mind is on the race."

A few days back, Hamilton made some intriguing comment about Mercedes' decision to swap five mechanics from his side to Rosberg's side. But after the press conference, he dismissed the idea that he was not trying to play mind games on Rosberg.

"I don't need to show strength anywhere else but on the track. I know where I am, what I need and I am working on doing the best I can this weekend.

"I don't plan on playing any psychological games. The best psychological game you can play is on the track so I have started well today and I need to keep it up this weekend," he said.