Lewis Hamilton says he won’t hold back at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix because of the championship situation.

The Mercedes driver needs only a seventh place finish to secure his fifth title win in this afternoon’s race. But he said backing off to play it safe could only get him in trouble.

“Everyone’s going to be barrelling into turn one to gain, so it’s a very, very fine line. If you go easy, you can get hit. If you go too aggressive, you can hit or still get hit.

“You’ve got to race it like normal and go in for the win. That’s what I’m going to be doing. I mean, that’s what we’re here to do, is to race.”

It’s the second year in a row Hamilton could secure the title at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Last year he clinched the title despite finishing ninth after a first-lap tangle with championship rival Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton lines up third on the grid today with the two Red Bulls ahead of him and Vettel alongside. “If I get a good tow from [them] and there’s an opportunity to overtake I’m going to take it,” he said.

“If there’s not, then I’m going to try and hold position. I’ve been racing a long, long time so it’s very rare that I make rash decisions and silly decisions when it comes to those scenarios.

“But I’ve not really given it any thought, to be honest. I’m hoping to get a good start and we’re racing together.”

The strength of the Red Bulls this weekend could play in Hamilton’s favour in the championship, he added.

“[They] are going to be quick tomorrow so gaining position would be hopeful. But also I don’t mind those guys being where they are because that takes points away from both me and Sebastian so that’s OK.”

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2018 F1 season