Hamilton demands more consistency in title push

McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain attends a promotion event ahead of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix September 19, 2012. The Singapore F1 night race will take place on September 21-23.  [Photo/Agencies]

SINGAPORE - McLaren's Lewis Hamilton is keen to take a leaf out of Formula One championship leader Fernando Alonso's book by improving his consistency in the final seven races of the season to bolster his title chances.

The 2008 world champion sits 37 points behind the Spaniard in second place in the drivers' standings and although both men have won three races apiece, it is the Ferrari's ability to pick up points in the other races that has helped Alonso forge ahead.

The 20-race calendar takes the series to Singapore this weekend, where the floodlit, 23-turn Marina Bay Street Circuit represents a welcome stop for both drivers, having won three of the previous four Singapore Grands Prix between them.

"Fernando has been incredible consistent throughout the year, he's had a lot less problems than others have but that's the name of the game," a relaxed and fit-looking Hamilton told Reuters on Wednesday.

"You need a team that doesn't mess up in the pitstops, a car that's reliable and then you need to do your job.

"Unfortunately, I have come out (retired) a couple of times - or been taken out - and we have had a lot of pitstop problems but no reliability problems.

"So if we can continue the rest of the season by having the fastest pitstops, the fastest car and the most consistent driver then we should be able to win the title."

The second half of the season has been encouraging for Hamilton, who sandwiched being taken out in Belgium by Romain Grosjean with victories in Hungary and Italy.

"The least I can hope for from this week is just to remain in the fight. We have a good car so I hope that the performance we had in the last race is reflected here," the Briton added.

"I feel I am in a good head space. I am fit and ready. Let's keep fighting."