I’m not interested in records, says Hamilton

Briton Lewis Hamilton claims to have no interest in matching Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One crowns - but even if he did new rules will make the task unlikely.

The 23-year-old became the youngest driver in history to take the world championship yesterday and immediately became the man most likely to emulate the great German.

Schumacher, who was 25 when he won his first drivers’ title in 1994, said before the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix that Hamilton was capable of equalling his achievement.

“I would say, absolutely, yes Hamilton could win seven titles,” he said.

“Nobody thought, even me, that I could beat (Juan Manuel) Fangio. Then I did. Records are there to be beaten.”

But Hamilton insists he is more interested in the pure thrill of racing.

“I don’t plan to try to reach any of his records,” Hamilton said.

“They don’t mean a huge amount to me. They are not something that appeals to me,” he told skynews.com.

“I just love racing, getting in the car and winning championships, with the feeling you get after all that work from the people around you, and you extracting the most out of yourself.

“That’s the most fulfilling achievement, so records are not so important.”

Hamilton’s dramatic pass on the final turn in Brazil gave Formula One a thrilling finish for the second year in a row after years of predictable results.

It was the second straight time the season was decided by a single point, and the third consecutive time it was decided in the final race of the year.

With cost-cutting measures and new rules in place for next year, more unpredictable finishes could be in place with teams expected to be more even than before.

Last year, three drivers - Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen - entered the last grand prix of the year with chances of winning the title in the tightest race for the championship in more than 20 years.

In 2008, seven different drivers and five different teams won races for the first time since 2003. Four different drivers led the championship, while six drivers took pole position and 15 led races.

The one-point margin that decided the title this year and in 2007 hadn’t happened since Schumacher’s title victory over Damon Hill in 1994.

New measures to be set in place for 2009 mean another close finish could be in sight for next season.

Among the changes intended to improve racing is the introduction of hybrid technology through KERS, an energy recovery system that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions without affecting performance.

The Kinetic Energy Recovery System collects energy under braking to provide an extra boost that should allow for more overtaking.

Aerodynamic changes also will be in place, and slick rubber tyres will return to F1 for the first time since 1997.

There have been discussions for a sole engine and transmission system provider in F1, but the changes would only take place beginning in 2010.

Teams said at the Brazilian GP that cost reduction is a priority for next year and beyond.

“We are in a very difficult position economically. Formula One is not immune from this panic,” Renault managing director Flavio Briatore said.

“We are working very hard together to achieve, as soon as possible, a solution.”

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