Hamilton rules out switching to conservative tactics in title fight

Lewis Hamilton has opened up a 40-point gap in the fight to become a five-time World Champion. The Mercedes driver confirms he will not alter his tactics to defend the big lead instead he is desperate to carry on winning.

If Hamilton beats Vettel in Sochi, the Brit won't need to win another race in order to be crowned champion. But this fact isn't changing Hamilton's strong mindset.

"There is just no need for me to look at the next few races and think 'OK, I need that there, and that there'. In my mind I need to win every race, simple as that," Hamilton told ESPN.

"I want to win every race, that's the goal. I'm just not looking at the points. It's nice having 40 points, but it's not the end until it's mathematically impossible [to lose]."

Vettel can only blame himself for the mistakes he has made on track this season. Without the errors in Germany, Azerbaijan and France, the title fight could look at lot different.

Despite this, Hamilton believes he holds the 40-point lead on merit.

"I don't look at it and think 'we've lucked in'," Hamilton added. "When Vettel hit the wall the other day, damaged the car and lost running on the track, that's not us lucking in. I take a lot of pride in not putting myself in those positions."