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Hamilton Surprised at Slim Championship Lead

Although he has experienced some incredibly good performances in Formula One lately – we're obviously talking about the last few races of the 2010 season – Lewis Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' classification from his teammate Jenson Button is only 12 points.

Heading to Germany for the upcoming race at Hockenheim, the 2008 Formula One champion admitted he is somehow surprised at the small championship lead he holds ahead of the reigning world champion. In the past 4 races, the Brit scored two wins and two runner-up spots, while his teammate scored 3 consecutive podiums (2 runner-up spots and a third place) and a 4th place.

It's strange. I've had four solid races - two wins and two second places - and yet I'm only 12 points ahead. We'll have to see how it goes but if I can increase that gap a bit I'll certainly be happier,” Hamilton was quoted as saying to The Telegraph earlier this week.

This state of events is as frustrating as it keeps Button into title contention for the second half of the season, meaning Hamilton still has to fight hard to make sure he gets the No 1 driver status within the McLaren lineup in the last few races of the 2010 campaign. Talking about that strategy, team principal Martin Whitmarsh made it very clear that the No 1 status is still up for grabs, adding that Button's run at Silverstone (from 14th on the grid to 4th at the finish line) could very well qualify him as well for that position.

Jenson is second in the Drivers' Championship and has had two great wins this year. He's proven he's a great racing driver, a great reader of the race and also someone who can recover from 14th to fourth (at Silverstone) is a phenomenally quick and adept racing driver and someone who has a lot of determination,” said Whitmarsh in a teleconference ahead of this weekend's race.
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