McLaren: Hamilton is getting stronger

The Briton is currently leading the standings with six races remaining after finishing in second place in the European Grand Prix last Sunday.

Hamilton, who said he came close to not racing due to health issues, has a six-point advantage over Valencia winner Felipe Massa, who dominanted the Spanish race.

Whitmarsh suggested the way Hamilton settled for second place without taking many risks shows the Briton is becoming stronger mentally.

"I think we're all learning. Lewis is learning, he's getting stronger mentally," said Whitmarsh.

"He's been in one championship fight and he's now in another one - I'm sure he will learn throughout this one as he did in the last one."

He added: "In truth, the team shouldn't take any credit for it.

"Lewis is an intelligent driver, he's absolutely committed to winning every race and he likes to end every session the quickest, but I think he's becoming more relaxed and confident in his approach and realising that what really counts is winning the world championship at the end of the year."

Whitmarsh claimed the team were never worried that Hamilton wouldn't be able to race, but he admitted they were concerned about the shape their driver would be in.

"We were worried about how he would cope with the day and he coped with it in the circumstances very well," added Whitmarsh.