Lewis Hamilton: 'I'm always in control'

Lewis Hamilton will race into Dubai ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to launch Tag Heuer's Carrera 1887 Timepiece Collection at the luxury watchmaker's boutique in The Dubai Mall this Wednesday. He has been the face of the brand since 2003. Friday caught up with the one-time Formula 1 Champion for a quick question and answer session... 

How are you feeling about the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

I always enjoy coming to Abu Dhabi at the end of the season. Last year I still had a chance to win the championship but this year it is slightly different as Sebastian has already won. Even so, I have the same determination and desire to win as always; to give something back to my team and fans. The race is really challenging with its day-night format and I hope that I will get there with the fastest car so I can end the season on a high. 

What do you feel the Abu Dhabi race brings to the competition?

The circuit facilities in Abu Dhabi are amazing and the track is technically very tough, with unique aspects like the pit lane exit.

I believe that the circuit sets the standard for other tracks in terms of construction and local interest. In Abu Dhabi the grandstands are always full and there is a real carnival atmosphere all around the city. I have never won at Yas Marina but I hope this year I can change that. 

Was being a professional Formula 1 driver your childhood dream? Who helped you?

Formula 1 and motor racing have always been on my radar. I remember watching Formula 1 on the TV when I was really young - it was all so bright, vivid and exciting that I knew it was what I wanted to do. I still clearly remember watching those races, watching drivers like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell racing each other.

All of my family supported me through the early stages of my career. I received advice and support from everybody close to me. Of course, my dad, Anthony, has always been by my side and helped me to not only get into Formula 1, but also helped me become the man I am today. I will never forget the sacrifices everyone made so I could pursue my dream. 

People say you are an aggressive driver. How do you evaluate your driving skills?

I think aggression is the wrong word: if you're aggressive, then you risk being out of control or going over the edge. For me, it's about being in control. I concentrate very hard to ensure I get the best out of the car and make my moves on track when it counts. 

What were your impressions on winning the Formula 1 championship in 2008? How did you celebrate?

At first, I wasn't really sure where I'd finished, because those last few laps were just so frantic. I was desperate to know what had happened. It was only after I'd crossed the line that my engineers told me I was the champion. I remember hitting the radio button and asking them, ‘Do I have it? Do I have it?' As I crossed the line and turned into the first corner, they came back and told me I was world champion. I'll never forget that moment for as long as I live.

In terms of celebrating it, the emotion was too much on the night - I just hung out with the team then went back to the hotel. I was emotionally exhausted. 

What is the driving force that leads you to be successful?

I think some people have a will to win. I don't know why. I've always been very committed; I've trained hard, worked hard and pushed like crazy to be where I am. But I never take it for granted. I also think being surrounded by a team is very inspiring - they work incredibly hard to make sure we keep winning, and I really feed off their commitment and energy. They make me want to win for them. I've been very lucky in my career to have so many supportive people that I want to show them how much I appreciate it. 

As a racing driver, every second counts. What's your take on time?

Everything in my life is about time, whether on or off the race track. On the race track we are constantly pushing to find those extra hundredths of a second per lap that over a longer period of time can mean the difference between winning and losing. There is a huge amount of effort that goes into this process. Off the track, I have a lot promotional and training activities that all go as per tight schedules. So time does play a very important role in my life. My take is - respect time and abide by it."

Quick questions

What do you love and hate about racing?
I absolutely love the thrill of racing, but hate to miss out on seeing family and friends with so much travelling. 

Your role models in life?
Ayrton Senna, Mohammad Ali, Nelson Mandela. 

Happiest moment in your life?
The next time I win the world championship!

Your main flaw?
Some people might think I am too dedicated to my sport, I might have missed out on some things, but I am living my dream. 

The best advice you've received
Believe in yourself and work hard to reach your goals. 

Your fave food
I make a mean chicken fajita. 

Your secret to keeping fit
My trainer Antti. The only way to keep in good shape is to make sure I beat him!