Hamilton has 'burning desire' to win

Lewis Hamilton has claimed that he has a 'burning desire' to finish the 2017 season off strongly and win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina having already secured his fourth world championship at the Mexico Grand Prix a few weeks ago.

Hamilton was frustrated with his display last time out in Brazil where, despite a heroic effort iwhere he made up 16 places after starting from the pit lane to move from 20th to fourth, he missed out on a podium finish.

But even with the title in the bag, the Mercedes driver is eager to win the final race of the season.

Speaking to the media after the race, Hamilton said: “That’s what we’re working towards.

“I have this real burning desire to finish off in a strong way; ultimately, when you finish off strong it’s a bit easier to start strong the following season and I think we’ve worked so hard as a team we deserve to finish with a strong race. Doesn’t mean you have to win but to be strong."

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Hamilton has enjoyed a positive start to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend and finished first in the second practice at Yas Marina, setting a track record in the process. He was involved in a duel with Sebastian Vettel over both of the practice rounds, and said he expects Ferrari to come out strong in qualifying.

Even if the Scuderia come out all guns blazing, Hamilton is thinking of nothing else but the win.

“I think just for my heart. This is what I work towards, it’s been a long year and it’s not over yet so there’s no reason to let off. There is still a lot to gain and a lot to achieve in winning this race. That’s my goal.”