'If I lose it, I'll just move on,' says Hamilton

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Lewis Hamilton has chosen a laid back approach to his end-of-season battle for the world championship with team mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton, who won the title his first title in 2008, in only his second season of Grand Prix racing, repeated the feat in 2014 and 2015.

While the triple world champion is absolutely committed to closing the 19-point gap to Rosberg and winning a fourth world crown, any subsequent defeat will be taken in his stride.

"I don’t think you can prepare for losing," Hamilton said.

"I don’t think you can prepare to lose, but I have experienced it before. I lost in 2007, I know it won’t be as painful as it was then.

"I’ve lost many races, I’ve lost championships through my career so it’s not like I haven’t experienced it."

Should he win in Brazil next time out, Rosberg will seal the championship before the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Admittedly, in a season where reliability has deprived him of a few extra wins, Hamilton has regained his momentum, dominating his Mercedes team mate in the last two races.

But with Rosberg shadowing his every move, his current form may prove to be too little too late.

" I’m in the scenario right now where I know that there’s more of a chance that I’ll lose it than a win it.

"It’s hard to swallow, but it is what it is. I’ll move on, I’ve still got three so I just really hope that next year I don’t have the reliability problems."

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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.