Rivals question Hamilton ‘long game’ approach
As a rookie in 2007, many observers believe the McLaren driver failed to secure the title because he was more focused on proving himself at individual races than on the ultimate prize.
But according to espn.com, his chief title rival Felipe Massa is unconvinced the Briton is more a threat now that he considers himself a "fully fledged" F1 protagonist in 2008.
"I don't know," the Ferrari driver said at Spa-Francorchamps. "It is difficult to say. To be honest, this season, up until now, I think he was even less consistent than he was last season."
Fernando Alonso, Hamilton's teammate at McLaren last year and certainly not his biggest admirer, also questions the McLaren driver's new approach to winning the title rather than races.
"Now is the time to win races," the Spaniard said in Belgium.
"For sure, consistency will be very important for the title contenders. They need to finish all the races and always be on the podium.
"But the one that wins more races at the end has a great chance to win the championship," said the 27-year-old, who now races for Renault.