‘I always have low expectations’ - Hamilton

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The remark by someone fueled by such an immense ambition may come as a surprise, but Lewis Hamilton just applies the 'low-expectancy' motto to avoid bitter disappointment.

Hamilton launched his Belgian Grand Prix from the tail end of the grid on Sunday, and put in a solid performance, perhaps a tad helped by circumstance, to race all the way up to the podium.

Despite his ever-present competitive spirit, the Mercedes driver often reins in expectations when confronted with a challenge while always giving it his best.

“Generally, I don’t try to have any expectations,” Hamilton said after his impressive result at Spa.

“So every time we come to a race, people are like: ‘What do you expect?’ and honestly I try not to have expectations because then you are inevitably disappointed.

“We prepared ourselves in a way that we hoped we would get some points, but I was like I might not finish today.

“I was really undermined, but felt whatever happened today, it is what it is, and from the next race I have got the same amount of engines – well more than others now – and I can fight in the last eight races.

“So, to come out with a clean race like I did and only lose ten points and have three new engines, that is a super bonus today.”

Asked whether lowering his prospects was a new mental approach to racing, Hamilton said it wasn't.

“I don’t think so. I think I have always been like that… as far as I can remember I have always been like that, not expecting too much.

“It is like Christmas day, I never expect anything, and then when you find out you have got some gifts from some nice people, people that love you, it is a surprise.

“If you go into Christmas day expecting stuff then at some stage you are going to be disappointed you got shoe laces instead of a car. So, that’s just how I am.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.