MELBOURNE—Lewis Hamilton has put his stunning Formula One debut year down to "uncontrollable determination" and a good car.
Some of his rivals say a large slice of good luck also played a vital role in assisting the British rookie to second overall, one of the most successful opening seasons in F1 history.
Next weekend in Melbourne Hamilton believes he can clear up any misconceptions.
Hamilton came to Melbourne last year for his first drive in a F1 Grand Prix and finished third.
He proceeded to make the podium in the next nine races, suggesting that he's one of the luckiest drivers F1 has seen.
With a year's experience under his belt, Hamilton says he is more focused and better prepared for the 2008 opener.
"My motivation is even higher than last year, but in a slightly different way," Hamilton said.
"I would say last year was an uncontrollable determination and excitement and just not really knowing what was coming up, just going into the deep blue.
"Now I know what to expect, I know about my preparations so ... I am saving all this energy for the first race, and I cannot wait to get out there.
"I am going to Melbourne with the aim of winning the race, and we will all work hard to try and achieve that."
But according to two of Hamilton's rivals, he will need his good fortune to continue if he is to repeat his debut year.
Williams driver Nico Rosberg,who commences his third Formula One season next Sunday—and who is yet to stand on the podium—points to the fact the rookies rarely begin their careers with a top team, as Hamilton did.
"F1 involves luck and chance—it's a matter of being with the right team at the right moment," Rosberg said.
Toyota newcomer Timo Glock also subscribes to the timing theory to explain Hamilton's amazing success.
"Lewis was just there in the right moment, in the right car," he told Reuters.
"He did a good job but in the end it's not one hero doing everything.
"It's a team sport. You have to have the right package and the right timing.
"That's what Lewis had last year."
Hamilton, meanwhile, is confident his new McLaren is even better than the car that took him to within a single point of last year's drivers' championship.
"I feel very positive about it, I think we have made some mega steps forward and the reliability is even better," Hamilton said.
At the same time, Hamilton believes Ferrari and McLaren will have trouble dominating as they did in 2007.
He tips BMW and Renault to join last year's top two in 2008.
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