Hamilton pushes life problems aside and focuses on winning

The McLaren driver recently split with long-time girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, and his downbeat mood at the recent Korean Grand Prix prompted questions about the effect it was having on him.

Hamilton insists, however, that his racing has not been hindered by what was going on behind the scenes - and that his return to a podium spot at Yeongam was not enough to bring a proper smile back to his face.

"I wouldn't say that I was in great spirits," said Hamilton about his feelings on the back of a return to form in Korea. "It has been a tough couple of weeks, but I don't think the last race did anything for me either.

"It was good to get back up on the podium, but it is only one race. It has been a whole year of ups and downs. I think it has been the worst year ever, you can imagine, with lots of people passing away.

"I've had some issues in racing but then in my personal life as well. I don't think it has been a great year, I am looking forward to next year that is for sure."

He added: "More important for me at the moment is getting my life together, and getting my head down and focusing on what I love doing the most.

"I am not particularly bothered if I come second, third, fourth, or fifth - it makes no difference: winning is everything. Other than that, you are second of the losers or third of the losers.

"It is about me picking things up, trying to find consistency, trying to pick up with a fine comb all the small issues there are, try and correct them, put the puzzles back in place and get some clean results."

When asked about the difficulties of having his personal life talked about in the media, Hamilton said: "I've not been reading it, but I've been dealing with it on my own, with great support from my family. I am sure you and everyone else knows what it is like, it is very tough."

And despite the troubled time he is having, Hamilton says he remains as focused as ever on doing the best he can for McLaren.

"I am so blessed in life. I have a great job and a fantastic family, it is just a mixture of things. I want to be winning and that is what I am working towards. I won't give up and will keep pushing."