Hamilton has learned, says Briatore

Hamilton lost the title to Kimi Raikkonen 12 months ago - despite holding a 17-points advantage over the Finn with just two races of the season remaining.

And, although Hamilton has talked of taking a conservative approach in the closing stages of this season, his mistake at the first corner in Fuji has raised questions about whether he can truly quell his desire for wins.

That facet of his personality prompted Briatore to cheekily suggest in China that he believed Hamilton would throw it away again.

However, with Hamilton having recovered with a dominant victory in Shanghai, Briatore has suggested that the challenge for the McLaren driver now is to change his focus to simply be on finishing in the points.

Speaking to autosport.com about his remarks on Hamilton, Briatore said: "What I said was quite simple. What I said is that it is difficult when you have pressure like that (he has had).

"Last year he lost 17 points in two races and sometimes it is the second place, third place, the fourth place that is the target. That was my opinion.

"It is not possible to win all the time. Sometimes, when you are fighting for the championship, it is good to finish second or third as well. Or even fifth."

Briatore believes the fact that Hamilton was happy to accept podium finishes this year rather than take risks and go for the win, like in Singapore, was proof of his maturity.

"He has learned from last year for this year," said Briatore. "I think we saw two or three races ago he had the possibility to win the championship already and he did not. I believe when you are fighting for the championship you need to look at the points, not only the victories."

When asked which driver he would put his money on for the championship, Briatore said: "There is still one race to go. Normally, if I need to put money on anyone, then for sure I will put it on Hamilton.

"He has much more chance than anybody. But if I am asked to gamble then I will gamble on Massa because that will pay me more if I win."