Mercedes in ‘unmarked territory’ as Hamilton goes for eighth title

SEVEN-TIME world champion Lewis Hamilton said his “incredible” Mercedes team had beaten the odds to give him a chance of claiming an unprecedented eighth world title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Hamilton heads into the season finale on the back of three successive Grand Prix victories to put him level on points with Red Bull’s Verstappen.

“We are into unmarked territory as a team,” said Hamilton, 36, during Thursday’s pre-race press conference.

“Obviously with the year that we’ve had, I am sure many people would have ruled us out being this close right at the end.

“It’s been an incredible group effort from everyone back at the factory and at the track.
“No one has ever done eight before but I feel grateful.”

Hamilton, who was 23 when he won his first title in 2008, empathised with the 24-year-old Verstappen who is bidding for his first title.

“I remember what it’s like going for your first, so I know. I had those experiences and the rollercoaster of emotions that you go through,” he said.

“After last year, I didn’t have a lot of hope that we would be sitting here at the end of the season fighting for a title,” he said.

“But I think from the start, we were very competitive. We had good results, a bit of bad luck as well. But overall we can be really proud of the whole team effort, to be sitting here and fighting for this title.” — SuperSport