Hamilton still eyeing France win

Lewis Hamilton believes he can upset the odds in the forthcoming French Grand Prix to claim what would be a stunning victory.

Hamilton will start the race at Magny-Cours handicapped by a 10-place grid penalty following a pit lane crash at the Canadian Grand Prix.

"I feel confident we can win there - that's my job. I have that belief in myself and the team," he said.

"The key is to score points, and we need to score as many as we can."

The McLaren driver crashed into the back of title rival Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari at the end of the pit lane in Montreal, resulting in early retirement for both drivers.

"For sure it's going to be tough and we know we are already on the back foot"
Lewis Hamilton

The penalty handed down by the stewards means even if Hamilton sets the fastest time in qualifying in France, he will still start outside the top 10 for the first time in his Formula One career.

"For sure, it's going to be tough, and we know we are already on the back foot," added Hamilton.

"But knowing the pace and momentum we had in Canada, it just shows anything can happen.

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"Hamilton needs to lose his delusions of grandeur "
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"We will push as hard as we can to do the job, and it doesn't matter if it is early or the last race, just so long as we get it done."

Meanwhile, rival Raikkonen believes Hamilton - who trails Robert Kubica by four points in the title race - merited his sanction.

"I still can't believe it, that someone can hit you while you are standing at the red light next to another car," said Raikkonen.

"I can't imagine how Hamilton could not see the red lights and the two cars standing in front of him.

"I think Hamilton deserves his penalty.

"He loses 10 places for the next race in France, and at least it is not going to make things any easier for him."

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