Lewis Hamilton wants to bounce back from his rookie championship defeat in 2007 to become the most successful driver in the sport’s history.
The 22-year-old finished runner-up to Kimi Raikkonen in 2007 but earned widespread acclaim for a meteoric debut season at the pinnacle of motor sport.
Hamilton, a Briton, told the Sunday tabloid newspaper News of the World that he intends to be even stronger with McLaren in 2008.
“I have time on my side to win many titles,” he said, then referring to Michael Schumacher’s record of seven drivers’ championships.
“If I get the opportunity to break Michael’s record then I will go for it,” Hamilton added.
“I want to be the best driver there has ever been.”
F1 fans will get their first chance to see Hamilton on the same circuit as Schumacher next week, as they both test at Jerez in Spain.
Hamilton said he is no longer thinking about the disappointment of the last two races in 2007, when his 17-point advantage over Ferrari’s Raikkonen was overcome.
“I get better every year and I don’t see why next season will be any different,” he continued.
“I am going to be fitter, stronger and more experienced, ready to take that next step up and be champion,” Hamilton said.
