Hamilton targets winning streak

LEWIS HAMILTON knows he needs another run of four successive victories if he is to overhaul team-mate Nico Rosberg in the race for this year's Formula One world title.

It is a feat Hamilton managed earlier this campaign after Mercedes rival Rosberg won the season-opening grand prix in Australia where the Briton retired.

Hamilton then triumphed in Malaysia, Bahrain, China and Spain, clawing back the 25-point deficit, with Rosberg forced to settle for the runner-up spot on each occasion.

But the tables have turned again, however, with Hamilton retiring for a second time this term in Canada 11 days ago, while Rosberg went on to finish second again, on that occasion behind Daniel Ricciardo in his Red Bull.

Now facing a 22-point gap to Rosberg ahead of Formula One's return to Austria this weekend after an 11-year absence, Hamilton must again embark along a tough road to reeling in the German.

"Montreal was a bit of a strange one for me," said Hamilton, whose brakes failed following an issue with one of his car's two energy store systems.

"I felt I had the pace right from the beginning of the weekend, but things just never quite came together. It's frustrating when these things are out of your hands.

"The two DNF's (did not finish) so far this season have not been ideal, but that's racing and there's a long, long way to go.

"I caught up before and I can catch up again. It's going to take another four wins to make up the difference, so I'm going to do my best to get those results."

By Ian Parkes, Press Association