Hamilton focused on 'weaker' tracks in F1 title battle with Rosberg

The Briton believes doing so could be a key factor in the 2014 F1 title battle.

After a defective engine part denied him a finish in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton has won the past three races to close to within four points of early leader Rosberg.

Hamilton reckons the momentum will shift between the two depending on which circuit they are racing at.

"Nico is driving really well, he's pushing me very hard and keeping me on my toes," Hamilton said.

"We're going to see from race to race, there are going to be times when he's going to be quicker and I'm going to be quicker, as we saw last year.

"I've generally gone quite well in China, but in Bahrain, for example, he got pole and has generally been stronger there.

"My job this year was to try to close the gap a little, which I did - it wasn't [nearly] half a second like it was last year in qualifying - it was [less than] three tenths.

"What I'm really trying to focus on is those circuits where I am maybe weaker, or not as close to him.

"I want to close that gap. [It's] damage limitation [for me] on those races and I think Bahrain was one of those races."

Rosberg had the upper hand over Hamilton at the next two venues on the 2014 F1 schedule, taking pole in both Spain and Monaco last season.

He finished sixth at Barcelona and then won on the streets of Monte Carlo, while Hamilton was 12th and fourth in the two events.