SINGAPORE — Holding a 53-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings after 12 races, and having the best performing car of the season — the Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid — at his disposal, it is hard to imagine anyone stopping Lewis Hamilton from retaining his Formula 1 world championship this year.

While he might not declare it outright, the Englishman’s relaxed body language and debonair demeanour at today’s (Sept 17) Epson-Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Technology Showcase at Marina Oriental Singapore, suggested he too is well aware that this year’s title is his for the taking.

It would be hard to fault Hamilton for his supreme confidence.

Last weekend’s victory in Monza — his seventh of the season — was a perfect illustration of his unrivalled dominance on the track this year, as he finished more than 25 seconds ahead of runner-up Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

And the 30-year-old is expected to leave the chasing pack in his wake again when he takes to the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, starting with tonight’s first and second practice sessions.

But it is securing pole position during Saturday night’s qualifying session that Hamilton is particularly focused on.

Said the two-time world champion: “My improved results this year are probably down to having managed to do better during qualifying.

It’s a completely different view and approach you take when you start from pole position, and it’s much easier as compared to starting from second or third in the grid.

“Last year was challenging for me as well because I had my team-mate (Nico Rosberg) on my case the whole time. But the car I have this time is fantastic and extremely reliable, and that’s a huge step forward for me.”

A successful race in Singapore will see Hamilton equal the late Aryton Senna’s record of 41 victories. While admitting that he looked up to the Brazilian while growing up, Hamilton insists he does not feel any added pressure at the prospect of being able to match the achievements of one of F1’s greatest drivers.

“Of course when I was younger, I wanted to emulate Senna,” he said.

“But it (Senna’s record) is not on the back of my mind. I’m here to do a job, and that’s to win this race and eventually win the championship. Points are more important to me this weekend. If I achieve Senna’s record, great. If I don’t, it’s not really a big deal.”

Hamilton’s eye-catching displays this season have also earned praise from former McLaren team-mate Jenson Button.

Describing Hamilton as “possibly one of the quickest ever drivers of a Formula 1 car”, the 2009 world champion highlighted a stable team and a dominant car as reasons for his compatriot’s success this year, and added: “Lewis has managed to win more races this year, which shows he’s done a great job.

“He’s got the best out of his car on many occasions and hasn’t made much mistakes, nor has he had any reliability issues.”

With seven more races, including the Singapore Grand Prix, to go this season, it is still too early to declare Hamilton as a shoo-in for the drivers’ championship.

Nonetheless, Hamilton does not plan on relinquishing his hold of the lead at the top of the standings, and warned his rivals that his best is yet to come this season.

“It’s been an amazing year so far, but generally the second half of it is stronger for me,” he said.

“You learn throughout the year and get more comfortable with the car. So for the rest of the races, one should generally get better and I’m ready to deal with the pressure of leading the pack.”