Hamilton insists he doesn't have 'one hand' on the title

Lewis Hamilton has shot down the suggestion that he has "one hand" on the Formula One world championship already due to his healthy lead over Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, saying nothing can be taken for granted with six races remaining.

Hamilton is a four-time world champion in F1 and, with a 40-point lead of his nearest rival in Vettel, is poised to claim a fifth which would equal the tally of Juan Manuel Fangio.

However, despite the lead, and Mercedes outperforming Ferrari in the constructors' championship also, he is not starting to think the title win is inevitable.

"I don't think you ever have one hand on it - you either have both hands on it or you don't," Hamilton responded when asked by a journalist if he had one hand on the title already.

"There is still a long way to go. A lot of points available. Six races is still a lot of races. The job, the target and the approach is still exactly the same."

Hamilton took questions when previewing the Russian Grand Prix, and he has claimed that he is "stronger" than ever, whilst praising the challenge posed by Vettel in the championship race.

“I feel healthy, happier and stronger than ever,” the Mercedes driver continued.

“It still feels like it has been a long year. It has been the most challenging year fighting against another four-time world champion. The stakes are as high as they have ever been."

“But I have had plenty of time to myself, and some really good quality time with family. I also got to see some beautiful places and get some good training in, too, so I do feel really good for this last stint."

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