Hamilton says 2008 will be more enjoyable

The British driver broke nearly all records for a rookie driver last season, scoring nine consecutive podium finishes as well as four victories on his way to second place in the championship behind Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton, whose team had a troubled year filled with controversy, lost the title against all odds in the final race by just one point.

Despite that, the McLaren driver said he enjoyed the season a lot and is now looking to savour his job even more in 2008.

"I enjoyed the season. I thoroughly enjoyed last year, just the whole year, and all the way up until Christmas and the new year," Hamilton told reporters during the launch of the new McLaren.

"It was the best year of my life. I know it can be better, and lots of things can matter for sure - but perhaps there will be less problems and politics, and hopefully we will enjoy it a bit better."

Hamilton, turning 23 today, believes last year's experience has helped him grow up both personally and as a racer.

He added: "As you know, it is a steep learning curve. If anything I think I just grew up. I grew up as a person and as a driver, and that is obviously the aim.

"With all the experiences you have, whether they are good or bad, you learn and you move forward. This year, I feel more at home, I feel more confident, I feel more relaxed and even more sure of what I want.

The Briton admitted he is now more determined than before to win the title and claims the disappointment of losing the championship is now behind him.

"I wouldn't say it was a blow, but for sure you feel it," he said of last year's championship.

"You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel anything. But I have definitely recovered from it, and I feel even stronger both mentally and physically - some of that is training, preparing for this season.

"I am just excited and probably even more determined than I have been in the past. And perhaps that experience (of losing the title) has encouraged that."