Lewis Hamilton admits he is not focusing on coming out victorious in tomorrow's Austrian Grand Prix. The Brit is at a major disadvantage as he will take a five-place grid penalty, meaning his third place will turn into eighth on thr grid.
The Mercedes driver already knew coming into the weekend that the penalty would be handed his way. With teammate Valtteri Bottas securing pole position ahead of Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel, it seems the three-time world champion has a damage limitation race on the table. Asked if he could win, he said: "Valtteri has been quickest all weekend, so it's not really on my mind at the moment."
Hamilton is no stranger to climbing back up through the field at Austria, as he started the 2016 race from P9. He ended that race in second, but says this time around, it will be much tougher due to the decrease in the performance deficit.
"I'm pretty sure back then there was a bigger speed delta between us and other cars, so I think it's more unlikely than it was then. But I'll give it everything I can, of course, I'll be happy if I can get up there."
Fergal Walsh
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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