Hamilton remains confident of title run

Lewis Hamilton remains confident that he can catch and pass Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the chase for the 2014 Formula One World Championship.

Hamilton’s second retirement of the season has put the Brit 22 points behind championship leader Nico Rosberg.

Both Mercedes struggled for reliability in Canada, with Hamilton and Rosberg initially struggling with a loss of power before Hamilton suffered a brake failure which forced his retirement.

Rosberg went on to finish second in the race, losing the lead to eventual winner Daniel Ricciardo during the closing stages of the race.

But despite the blow in a very tight championship battle, Hamilton remains confident he can close the gap.

‘There is a long way to go. I caught up before and I’ll catch up again,’ he told the BBC.

Hamilton was 25 points behind following his mechanical problem in Australia which forced his early retirement. Rosberg went in to win the race, but Hamilton went on to take four consecutive victories to take the lead of the championship going into Monaco.

Hamilton will need a similar turn in fortunes to close the gap once again, but does have the advantage of knowing that there are double-points available in the final race of the season at Abu Dhabi.

‘We’re just sorry to have let Lewis down and it is a shame, particularly when the championship is as close as it is,’

‘But he is in good spirits and a fighter and I have no doubts he will come back.’ Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said before adding: ‘I guess between the two of them it is going to come down to an end-of-season race in Abu Dhabi with double points.’