MONTREAL, Canada -- Lewis Hamilton is still concerned the technical gremlins that blighted the start of his season could return in coming races.
Hamilton took his first win of the year at the Monaco Grand Prix two weeks ago, cutting the gap to team-mate Nico Rosberg to 24 points in the drivers' standings. Prior to his Monaco victory, the gap had stood at 43 points after two poor starts, a series of technical issues and a collision with Rosberg curbed his point scoring opportunities at the opening five races.
But despite putting an end to his victory drought, Hamilton does not think it will be plain sailing from now on.
"I feel positive coming here but I am conscious of how the season has gone so I'm not arriving all excited thinking everything is going to go great again because we had one win," he said. "There are potholes we could easily manoeuvre but also easily fall down.
"I'm conscious of those bumps but hoping for a smooth weekend it would be amazing. If we have a smooth weekend in terms of performance it should be a happy weekend."
Hamilton said he has felt like he is on top form at all the races this year and only car issues have been holding him back.
"I felt like I was on it every weekend. It wasn't a case of feeling that it was going to click and then I'll be on it. It was just a case of if the car stays together and I keep it together I'll get the result and that is still the case. Nothing has changed in that sense."
Hamilton said the smaller gap to Rosberg will not change the way he approaches races this year.
"I don't believe so. If you look at the races I've lost points in it hasn't been down to my driving. I don't think it changes anything and I will still drive the same way I have in the last race. There are other factors that come into play still. I will continue to drive the way I am and if those other factors go well for me I will be very happy."