Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he might not win a grand prix for McLaren in 2007.
The 21-year-old GP2 champion will drive potentially one of the best cars of the season during his rookie year, but he is quoted by the Spanish media as saying he expects succeeding in formula one to be “difficult”.
“Like all the drivers,” Briton Hamilton reportedly told El Mundo Deportivo, “my objective is to win. I would be lying if I said I wanted to finish tenth, but I am also realistic and I know that my teammate is going to be Fernando (Alonso).
“Perhaps the opportunity to win arrives in 2007 but maybe it will be in 2008.”
Hamilton admits that he will learn a lot during the 18 races of his maiden grand prix season.
He said: “Of course I want to win but I do consider it an immediately necessity. The team knows that I am young and that I will need some time. My priority (for 2007) is to continue to grow as a driver.
“I think I can do a good job. I believe that I have qualities that are similar to Alonso but I am going to have to work really hard, also on my fitness because although I feel comfortable in the car, my neck muscles still need work.”
GMMF1
DailyF1News.com
