Hamilton stays cool as he chases Senna
Senna never far away from his mind as world champion plays down pressure
His black Mercedes cap might have concealed most of his $100 cut, but some of Lewis Hamilton's bleached hair were obviously visible from the sides and back.
"Oh, he has blonde hair now," remarked an out-of-touch observer, as the Briton entered the ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore yesterday.
Decked in a white T-shirt, designer jeans, white high-tops and a diamond-studded bracelet strapped on to his right wrist, and diamond stud in his left ear, the 30-year-old was fashion personified.
It is the way of a modern Formula 1 champion. Speaking at a technology showcase held by Epson and the Mercedes Formula 1 team - Epson inked a global partnership with the outfit in January - Hamilton was a picture of cool calm ahead of the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit this weekend.
Hamilton leads the drivers' world championship by 53 points from teammate Nico Rosberg, with seven races to go.
The Briton has every reason to be confident ahead of tomorrow's qualifying after his dominant win at the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Hamilton enjoyed the perfect weekend in Monza, topping the time sheets in every practice session, qualifying on pole and then taking the chequered flag 25 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
It was the two-time world champion's 40th career victory and seventh of the current campaign.
"That was maybe the second ever time I had a weekend like that, it was one of my best races," he said.
"You can't really top that, so I just have to try and repeat it.
"But, I'm under no extra pressure here in Singapore."
Inevitably, the Briton brought up the name Ayrton Senna.
Hamilton has made no secret of the fact he grew up idolising the late Brazilian and his goal is to match Senna's tally of 41 race wins here.
"My goal when I was a kid was to match Ayrton," said Hamilton.
"After the last race, I was (told) how many races I'd won and that it almost correlated with the career that Ayrton had.
PRETTY AMAZING
"I honestly couldn't believe it. I didn't know that the whole nine years what course I was on.
"Naturally it feels pretty amazing... It may or may not happen, there is still a serious challenge ahead of me, but I'm just grateful to have the opportunity."
Hamilton is favourite to win in the only full night race at the Marina Bay street circuit, which features 23 tight corners on a long track that often pushes the two-hour time limit.
Coupled with the heat, humidity and racing under lights, Hamilton - along with many of his peers - considers this one of the most demanding races on the calendar.
"The night race is challenging, but so very exciting as well," said the Mercedes star, who won here in 2009 and 2014.
"What's also tough about racing in Singapore is adjusting to the time zone. I went to bed at 6am (the day before) and woke up at 2pm.
"And your mind wants you to eat at the time zone you're in."
As comfortable as he has been on the track this year, Hamilton has also been busy off it, making headlines for a number of romantic dalliances, raunchy hairstyles, and a clothing faux pas at Wimbledon last month.
He was turned away from centre court because he did not adhere to the venue's dress code - mandatory jacket and tie.
He has been busy attending fashion weeks and even tried his hand at cutting a few rap singles.
"I just enjoy it all," he admitted.
"(Rapper) Kanye (West) introduced me to his fashion label recently and it was just impressive to see.
"People like to put you in a box and tell you what you are and what you can do. But for Kanye, it's more than just music."
Right now though, his focus is on his silver Mercedes bullet, the chase to match his idol and the target of a third world title.
He'd just like to do it all wearing his own unique style.
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