Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton will go full throttle in Canada

In his own words, and with reference to his McLaren car, Hamilton feels he simply has to “drive the a**e off the thing” if he is to take the chequered flag in Canada for a third time.

A new F1 record was established in Monaco 12 days ago when Mark Webber was the victor, becoming the sixth new driver to win a race this season from the opening six grands prix. Webber added his name to those of Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel and Pastor Maldonado. Somewhat surprisingly, despite setting times to be on the front row in five of the six races this year – in two he was later given penalties – Hamilton has finished no higher than third.

The 27-year-old, however, goes into this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix as one of the favourites for victory given he has won the race twice before, in 2007 – his maiden triumph – and again in 2010.

Assessing his chances, Hamilton said: “Anyone can be the seventh winner. Even the Marussia drivers have a chance because it’s so random this year. But we’re prepared in the best way possible, we’re in a strong position, although we’re up against some incredibly tough teams, and quick teams. Who knows what’s going to happen, but we’ll be doing everything we can.

“Right now I have no expectations. I’m just going to enjoy it, I’m going to push, slide the car, drive the a**e off the thing and just hope we have a good result. I know I haven’t had that first win yet, but I’m sure I will at some stage, and I feel positive coming here, I love this track. When you approach a circuit where you’ve had great results in the past, it definitely gives you that bit more confidence.”

As one of only two drivers to score points in every grand prix this year – championship leader Alonso is the other –- Hamilton knows a certain level of consistency could prove crucial.

“Hopefully it will be good,” he said. “Every race is a challenge for me to remain consistent. So far qualifying has been good, but we’re trying to improve on our race pace and results. If we can continue with the consistency, and we have the foundation, but improve on our pace, then we should have some good results and that will definitely be good for the season.”

In his debut campaign of 2007 Hamilton was on the podium in the opening five races prior to finally savouring victory in Canada. To this day, with Hamilton now in his sixth F1 season, it remains one of the greatest moments of his career.

Hamilton added: “It’s the best memory I have here. It’s a beautiful place with the greatest crowd, and as I won my first race here, I hold it very dear to my heart.

“I can remember everything from that weekend, from arriving here, to getting my first pole, where I was on the track when they told me I had pole position and how I felt. I remember crossing the line when I won, then standing on the podium and looking down, seeing my dad, seeing him smile and the support I had. Since then the support I’ve had here has just been immense.

“Here is one track where a driver can have bit more of an impact. It’s also a bit like a go-kart track where you have to bump up and down the kerbs, which must suit my aggressive driving style that everyone says I have. You also can’t be afraid of the ‘Wall of Champions’ (at turn 14 where many famous drivers have smashed their cars).

“I feel there are two walls like that though - one at the second chicane that also catches people out, as well as the last.”