How do you see the balance of power changing during the final few races?
I think we'll see lots of chassis upgrades. At McLaren-Mercedes we've done a fantastic job with the car during the past few weeks - I'm sure there's more development going on now than there has been for quite a few seasons - and we should take a substantial step forward in Japan. Everything is looking positive, but until you get on the circuit against Red Bull and Ferrari you never know.
How do you feel about what lies ahead?
I'd be in a pretty bad place if I wasn't excited. I'm fighting to retain the world championship in a sport I love. It's the best time of my life. At the end of 2009 you issued denials and insisted the pressure wasn't getting to you, but after clinching the title you admitted what a strain it had all been.
How does the current situation compare?
It's a lot easier this time. The final few races were tough last year because I'd never been in a position to challenge for the title before. It was difficult, because I started to think, 'Well, I could give away two points here, three points there' - but as soon as you do that you're being too cautious. But it worked out in the end so maybe it was the right approach. This year I'm trying to catch up, but I'm in a competitive car and really enjoying the racing.
sports@thenational.ae
