Hamilton remains confident to get F1 title

Sep 16, 2008, 8:23 GMT

London - Lewis Hamilton expressed confidence that he can claim the Formula One world title, but admitted that he can not afford any more setbacks.

The British McLaren-Mercedes driver Hamilton told BBC Sport on Monday night that he will have to be smart in the final four season races to retain his lead over Ferrari's Felipe Massa of Brazil.

Hamilton, 23, is just one point ahead of Massa after they finished seventh and sixth, respectively, at a rainy Italian Grand Prix in Monza on Sunday.

'I have to make every sacrifice in the last four races. I honestly feel confident in my ability to win the championship,' said Hamilton.

'I'm in the lead because I've made fewer mistakes. You have to enter each race with heart but you also have to be smart.'

'I can't afford any more mistakes, definitely not.'

Hamilton has seen various setbacks ranging from a pit-lane crash in Canada to a penalty in Belgium.

Wrong tyre choices in Monza during qualifying and in the race cost Hamilton a possible victory there, but Hamilton is already looking ahead at the next race, a first night race at the inaugural Singapore GP on September 28.

'Singapore is a night time circuit, which none of us have experienced before, but we'll be OK,' Hamilton told the BBC.

'I really have a skill where I am able to put a previous disappointment behind me ... 'He (Massa) is the guy I have to beat. He has a good car and is a good driver.'