Hamilton surprised to lead the way

Lewis Hamilton admits he is surprised to be sitting top of the F1 championship standings going into the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend. Podiums in all three races so far mean Hamilton holds a slender lead over team-mate Jenson Button in the title race, despite the fact that the 2008 title winner has yet to take a race victory. Hamilton's season so far has backed up his pre-season view that consistency would be key for his championship challenge and the Briton he was pleased that that view was proving to be correct. “No, definitely not.,” he replied when asked if he expected to be topping the standings. “The target every year I think is to have consistency and sometimes it just doesn't go to plan but this year I think we've been quite fortunate. Finishing on the podium for the first three races has been fantastic for us. Obviously it's very early in the season. In previous seasons you've seen Championship leaders swapping and changing throughout the year so it doesn't really mean too much at the moment.” Hamilton added that he had taken a fresh approach to his racing this season after the issues that blighted him during 2011 and was in a better place for the learning the lessons from previous mistakes. “I definitely think that the last three years have added to where I am today,” he said. “I think there have been a lot of lessons learned and a lot of good and bad experiences which of course definitely help you when you have a good car and when you're in a much better position. “As for all athletes, I think you have to get your mind set in a certain way and there are many things that can affect that. For example, look at Tiger Woods. He's there and sometimes he's not and he's the best out there. It's really a massive mental game which is about trying to get your mind on the right path. But I feel that I'm there or thereabouts at the moment, still working hard.”