Hamilton: I'll need my best-ever form to snatch F1 title

Acknowledging he likely needs to win all three remaining races, Hamilton nonetheless insists that he's relaxed heading into Mexico - as he says he's accepted there are circumstances out of his control.

“I approach it [Mexico] the same as I approach every race,” said Hamilton.

“Maybe slightly more relaxed than I have others maybe, because I’ve accepted that there are things that are out of my powers, out of my control. All I can do is control what’s in the car and what I do.

“So long as I focus and put all my energy towards that, hopefully I can get results as I did last weekend. But if I don’t, then you move forwards.

“I don’t think I’ll be taking more risks than I usually do. I think I’m a relatively risky driver, but I don’t think I will be taking more than others. I will definitely be cautious of my surroundings, as I always am.

"I’m going for it, that’s for sure. While my heart’s still beating, I still have that drive to win, and there’s still an opportunity, even if it’s only one per cent, I’m going to be going for it.

“Obviously I have to win all the races, but I’ve known that since the last race. People can interpret it any way they want, but I know that I’ve got to win. And I’m just going to try and do the best job, do everything I can in terms of getting in my car and qualifying and driving, time on the track, and really trying to apply everything I’ve learned all over these years.

“If there’s any time for me to be the best I’ve ever been, it’s these last three races.”

Engine worries

In Austin, Hamilton admitted that he’d been listening to the engine, wary of something going wrong, and he says that will still be the case for the remaining rounds.

“That will happen until we cross the flag in Abu Dhabi. I have a feeling it will happen more often, because I’m on my eighth engine, and I’ve experienced a lot more than the other side has had to this year. I’m confident that everyone is doing everything they can…

“The guys are working so hard to make sure nothing happens, moving forwards, but again there are things that are just out of our hands. Often this year there are things that are just out of our control that have happened, and the most important thing is that we have learned from them and grown from them, and will continue to do so.”

Asked about how he paced himself while leading in Austin, Hamilton said: “It is about doing what you have to do. I was pretty far ahead at one stage, but towards the end I didn’t have to keep setting lap records to win the race, and I am in a position where gearbox or engine goes, that is it.

“If I happen to be in that position again, it’s about being smart and strategic, it’s about strategy.”