Hamilton has faith in McLaren
Lewis Hamilton believes he should so far have achieved much more in his career as he prepares to make his 100th Grand Prix but convinced he can again be world champion this season.
It is far from blind optimism spurring on Hamilton ahead of two crucial races in Germany on Sunday and Hungary next weekend prior to the forthcoming summer break.
It is the absolute faith he has in McLaren to again provide him with a winning car, as was the case just six weeks ago in Canada, and which will more than likely see him signing a new deal.
Since then the wheels have come off the team's bandwagon as they were found wanting for pace in Valencia and Silverstone, although being ran into by Pastor Maldonado on the penultimate lap at the former when battling for third was not on the cards.
Throughout the British Grand Prix, however, Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button found themselves in amongst the midfield such was their lack of speed.
It means going into the race at Hockenheim Hamilton finds himself trailing Ferrari's Fernando Alonso by 37 points as he prepares to joins F1's ton-up club.
The situation is far from a lost cause, not least as both cars this weekend sport a considerable upgrade package - notably with regard to the sidepods - it is hoped will claw back some of the deficit.
As for that elusive second title, with only his 2008 triumph to show for his previous five years, Hamilton said: "There's still a long, long way to go.
"With the way the championship has gone so far, anything could happen.
"There's so much to play for, and there is still enough time to claw back this championship."
Asked whether he still felt like this was a season in which he could win the title, Hamilton replied: "I definitely feel like I can do it.
"I'm constantly boosted by the team. Of course, we should have won more races this year, we should have performed much better, but we are only at the 10th grands prix.
"We still have so far to go, so many more points available. All you can ask is to never give up, and this team never does and I never do.
"Hopefully at some stage we will be rewarded for that."
Hamilton certainly believes he should have more than one world crown, 18 grand prix victories and 21 poles to his name.
Reflecting on his previous 99 races was not easy for the 27-year-old as he added: "To think I've done 100 grands prix, it still feels very unreal.
"Yes, I should have achieved more, but if I didn't think that then I wouldn't be the driver I am.
"I can't deny and put aside the fact I'm very proud and grateful I've had the chance to be competitive, to have podium finishes, wins.
"I am massively grateful to the team for that and for the opportunity because there's not many of us that get to do that.
"I know I can't beat myself up, but every year - apart from last year - I feel like I've prepared myself and had the mental ability and skill to have won.
"Through circumstances we've not been able to do so. It has been a tough 10 to 15 years for this team.
"So I'm looking and waiting for that period of time when they again hit their highest point. They had it with Mika (Hakkinen) in the late '90s, and I hope at some stage it's our turn."
Despite McLaren's lean years, as their last constructors' title was back in 1998, Hamilton appears to be drawing ever closer to re-committing his future to McLaren.
"This is the first time I've had to do due diligence, to make sure I look at the whole grid, look at all my options and all my plans, and not rush into things," said Hamilton.
"Some of the worst decisions are generally the ones that are rushed.
"I have a lot of faith in this team, we're like a family, we've been here since I was 13 years old, so anything different would be abnormal."