Hamilton first in Singapore Grand Prix, and now favourite for world title
Lewis Hamilton tidied his hair and gulped some water before sharing a laugh with Sebastian Vettel in the pre-podium room.
The Mercedes driver had been smiling all weekend.
All week long here in the build up to the Formula I Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, he had been asked questions about his battle and rivalry with teammate Nico Rosberg, and the Briton, always relaxed, spoke positively - "It feels good. I wouldn't want it any other way."
The 29-year-old displayed only confidence.
Under his helmet, seconds before the start of the race last night, Hamilton must have flashed the widest smile of all.
Rosberg experienced trouble with his power steering and failed to take off in the warm-up lap.
Forced to start from the pit lane, the German later retired from the race.
Hamilton took his chance, and converted pole to victory, just like he had here in 2009.
Last night's win - Hamilton's seventh this year - saw him leapfrog his teammate into first place in the driver's standings, three points ahead of Rosberg, with 150 points remaining in the final five races of the season.
Victory in Singapore had been a long time coming for Hamilton. Over the last four years, his record read: retirement-fifth-retirement-fifth.
But "Lewis 2014", with longer hair, and with his father, Anthony, in tow here as his famous musician-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger stayed at home to record an album, is a more mature individual than the one crowned world champion in 2009.
The Stevenage-born Hamilton knew how to demonstrate grace when required.
When asked if he was happy about Rosberg's retirement during the post-race press conference, Hamilton laughed and shook his head.
He replied: "I came here hoping to gain seven points on the championship race (the difference between first and second places). Anything more is just a bonus.
"We've had such issues with both cars all year round and we need to work on that.
"We wanted a one-two finish here, so the team is not happy today. We want to win collectively, and so do I."
Last night, after the seventh edition of the race, the Singapore Grand Prix retained its tradition of always crowning a world champion - Hamilton twice, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel three times and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso two.
Champions rule at the Marina Bay street circuit.
Hamilton passed with top honours last night, his flawless drive epitomised on Lap 54 when he masterfully overtook Vettel at Turn 7 to reclaim the lead he had lost after a pit stop.
His team and legion of fans would not have been surprised at the move, all lovers of motor-racing would have appreciated the skill.
After Singapore, he looks like the man who will wear the widest smile after the final race of the 2014 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi on Nov 23.
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