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Hamilton remains relaxed

McLaren ace hungry for success

Last updated: 14th March 2008

Lewis Hamilton insists that he is under less pressure this season despite going so close to world championship glory in his debut year.

The 23-year-old McLaren ace arrives at Melbourne on the back of a thrilling start to his Formula One career - having finished second in the championship by a solitary point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

And although Hamilton burst on the scene with a third-placed finish in Australia last season, he claims he is more relaxed.

"I don't think there is more pressure, I think there is less pressure than last year," he said.

"Last year, there was a huge build-up and just a lot of weight hanging on my shoulders because no one really knew if I was going to do well or what. And neither did I, really.

"It is a slightly different feeling. I think I know even more now, knowing what a season feels like.

"I am even hungrier and I feel even more determined and just more excited about racing.

"It has been too long a break. It really has seemed to drag along even though the race is a little bit earlier. It just seems forever since we raced last.

"Coming here for the second time is a little bit different to last year. It was all new to me but now I'm a bit more used to it, a bit more relaxed and I think we've got a really good package.

"Everyone knows what I can do and similar to last year, I think more pressure comes from myself, setting myself higher goals and wanting to achieve more."

F1 Drivers Championship 2008: Hamilton, L 8/13