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 "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments
of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of
challenge and controversy," the Mercedes driver reminded his
followers on Twitter earlier in the week.
"I've used that several times on Twitter," the Briton told reporters
as he prepared for his 'Duel in the Desert', the Formula One
showdown with German team mate Nico Rosberg in Abu Dhabi.
"It's one of my favorite quotes. You take all these pictures and
post them, but you want to find something that's inspiring to
people.
"I want it to be more than 'Hey, here's me by a car... here's me by
a mountain.' I want to tell them 'If I can do it, you can do it.'
Help inspire people, really."
Hamilton can do that by becoming Britain's first multiple champion
since Jackie Stewart took the second of his three titles in 1971.
The championship leader need only finish in the top two, something
the 29-year-old has done in his last six races, under the Yas Marina
floodlights to be sure of adding to his 2008 crown.
However relaxed the drivers may say they are, the pressure is still
massive.
That was evident in a tense Thursday news conference when the two
men appeared together, barely smiling.
"It's the biggest moment, the most important weekend of my life. Of
course I know that," said Hamilton, who described the feeling as
being 'like a kid at Christmas' but also relaxed.
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"Why shouldn't I be? I'm in the best place in my whole life. I'm
with the best team, I've got the best car, I'm in the best shape,
I'm excited, man," he exclaimed.
Hamilton has won 10 races to Rosberg's five and to many it would be
a travesty if he were not to become champion. But he was not
thinking about that.
"I don't feel I need to come and drive the race of my life. I think
I've driven pretty well this year and I plan to drive my best this
weekend," he said.
(Editing by Sudipto Ganguly)
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