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Mercedes keep sports psychologist on stand-by

Mercedes have employed the services of a sports psychologist in the event of Hamilton losing the title showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday night.

Abu Dhabi: With Mercedes having allowed both their drivers to race each other, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have made the 2014 F1 World Drivers’ Championship their own. Heading into the final race of the season — the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, Hamilton leads Rosberg by 17 points.

But with double points being offered in this final race, it could play into the hands of Rosberg and Hamilton could be left ruing a lost chance to add to his 2008 title, despite having more wins than the German. With that in mind, Mercedes have employed the services of a sports psychologist in the event of Hamilton losing the title showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday night.

The Brackley-based squad have kept New Zealand sports psychiatrist Ceri Evans on stand-by. Hamilton has 10 wins this season compared to Rosberg’s five. But Hamilton can still lose because of the double points. Points are normally awarded 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1 but in Abu Dhabi this will be 50-36-30-24-20-16-12-8-4-2.

And team boss Toto Wolff is preparing for the worst. “Ceri was part of the process at the start of the season and someone we are in contact with but the psychological part of the company is something I work on 10 hours a week,” Wolff was quoted as saying. “I have looked that far ahead quite a lot. I have told them we will do our best to make sure we can give them a car that can win championships, so, whatever happens, ‘this will not be the end of your Mercedes career’.” Wolff added. Reports said that Hamilton had earlier rejected using a sports psychologist.

james@khaleejtimes.com