Hamilton makes case for the defence

Lewis Hamilton
12 April 2012

Lewis Hamilton has launched a powerful defence of himself, his management and father Anthony as he continues to battle through what he has described as "the most testing year" of his career.

Hamilton picked up his fifth drive-through penalty of the season following a collision with Felipe Massa at the Singapore Grand Prix, and then ignored the Brazilian when he attempted to speak privately to the Briton after the race.

Hamilton said: "I just live my life, I'm happy, I've great people in my life, I've great management, great family, people who I enjoy being around, I've an amazing job, so I can't really complain."

Massa took out his anger in subsequent TV interviews, while Hamilton's decision to snub the media raised questions about his management company, XIX Entertainment, from his father Anthony, who suggested their absence in Singapore meant they were failing to support his son in his time of need.

Hamilton is adamant he is coping and added: "I don't read anything so I don't feel any of the criticism.

"But I know everyone here (the media in the Suzuka paddock ahead of Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix) and around the world are writing stories, so I hear about them.

"I just keep my head and focus on the main thing, which is trying to win races."

Asked if he was simply enduring a torrid spell and the tide would naturally turn, Hamilton replied: "I don't have an answer for it.

"I don't see anybody else having the problems I'm having, but then I don't see many people that have achieved what I've achieved. Up until the end of 2008 I'd won a championship every second year of my career since I was eight years old.

"I've done pretty well up until now, but I've had a couple of tough years, with this year the most trying, testing year of my career so far. It's not about how or what I've done this year, it's about how I rise out of it, rise above it and come back out on top at some stage."

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