Hamilton denies Rosberg mind games with sole goal of pole
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Lewis Hamilton insists he is 'solely focused' on aiming for pole position at the F1 title decider in Abu Dhabi and shoots down ideas he was playing mind games with Nico Rosberg.
The defending F1 world champion has ended Friday free practice on top with a best lap of 1m 40.861s to keep hold of a slender 0.079s advantage over Rosberg, with the German driver taking a 12 point lead into the title showdown.
Hamilton has stressed the importance of qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit because of the difficulty of overtaking around the track and says he hasn't been keeping an eye on how the Red Bull or Ferrari drivers have performed, knowing if he wins on Sunday he also needs Rosberg to finish off the podium in order to take a fourth F1 world crown.
"Right now I am solely focused on qualifying," Hamilton said. "My focus is I need that pole position, that is my goal and what I am gunning for. Then tomorrow night I can start to think about what I am going to do in the race but right now zero per cent of my mind is on the race."
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After Thursday's FIA drivers press conference involving the two F1 title contenders, Hamilton dismissed the idea he was trying to deploy psychological tricks on Rosberg and reiterates his target of beating his team-mate on track.
Hamilton made intriguing comments about Mercedes' decision to swap five mechanics between each side of the garage this season and consequently split up the set-up which saw the British driver claim consecutive F1 world titles.
"I don't need to show strength anywhere else but on the track," he said. "I know where I am, what I need and I am working on doing the best I can this weekend.
"I don't plan on playing any psychological games. The best psychological game you can play is on the track so I have started good today and I need to keep it up this weekend."
POINTS: The F1 Drivers' & Constructors' standings ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 finale
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