Hamilton to lose F1 aggression

Lewis Hamilton has revealed ahead of Sunday's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring that he is to temper his naturally aggressive instincts.

The 22-year-old British rookie went on an all-out offensive in races at the start of his first season in Formula One.

But he is to change tact as he battles to claim the title after opening up a 12-point lead over McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso at the top of the World Drivers' Championship standings.

Hamilton, who finished third in both France and Briton after back-to-back wins in Canada and the US, said: "At the beginning of the season you are just attacking - I don't think you can ever stop attacking.

"But while you need to be able to attack, you also need to be conservative in some ways because it's all about consistency.

"I'm not saying my mind is split with regard to my approach, but in the first few races I was driving so close to the edge I could easily have come off (the track)."

He continued: "I am not going to take that risk now and lose points for me and the team.

"Yes, we still want to win and we will always do everything we can to win. While there is not a limit, you have to bear in mind you need the points."

Hamilton knows he is in the firing line as the Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa look to make inroads into his lead at the top of the standings, along with Alonso, who is chasing a hat-trick of titles.

But the Briton is refusing to be daunted, telling reporters: "For sure I am the target, I have always been one. I now have to focus even more to maintain the level of performance.

"Consistency is what is involved, so it is important not to take unnecessary risks and continually get podiums.

"At the end of the day the person who is the most consistent is the one who will do it."

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.