Hamilton: Confident

It is no easier this year, in fact I think it is even harder.

Lewis Hamilton
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Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is confident he has learned the lessons of last season's failure to win his maiden F1 crown.

The McLaren driver looked set to win his first championship with two races remaining but crashed out in China and then could only claim two points in the final race in Brazil.

The performances took the gloss off what was a fantastic first season for the Brit and Hamilton believes he will learn from the mistakes.

He said: "I was leading here but I didn't really understand the magnitude of the situation I was in and what was around me and the pressure that was on my shoulders.

"I dealt with it the best I could, but it wasn't the best.

"But I learnt from those mistakes and I have come this year and I've taken a big step in my life as a grown-up, while as a driver I have matured and worked as hard as I can to improve in all areas.

"I didn't really focus on the championship last year whereas this year I have as well as the importance of finishing races."

Stronger

This season Hamilton is seven points ahead of nearest rival Felipe Massa with both being aware that anything can change in an instant.

Last time out Massa qualified on pole but ended up 13th after a pit-stop blunder, handing the initiative back to Hamilton.

The 23-year-old feels the experience has made him stronger as he tries to become the first McLaren driver since Mika Hakkinen to win Formula One's ultimate prize.

"It is no easier this year, in fact I think it is even harder," said Hamilton.

"Last year it appeared to be easier to maintain the position I was in whereas this year it has been more of challenge.

"But you have to step up your game.

"At this stage of the season I feel a lot stronger than I did last year in both my state of mind and my fitness."