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Hamilton full of 'positive energy' again

Lewis Hamilton: © Getty Images

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Lewis Hamilton says he has built up a lot of "positive energy" since his victory in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago and he is hoping to carry that over to 2012.

Before his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win, Hamilton had endured a difficult string of races and admitted he was struggling with issues in his private life. However, the McLaren driver insists that period is now behind him and that he has learned some useful lessons for 2012.

"I was talking to a friend recently saying it's been a difficult year, and he said it's been a year of growth which was one of the most positive things I have learned this year," Hamilton was quoted as saying by Autosport. "What I've learned this year I'll take into next, so I feel positive about it. I think in the future I'll look back on this season, smile and say 'I needed that'.

"I haven't really thought about the last victory: afterwards I was just back in the simulator and thinking about this race. But I have had a really good few positive days since then which have meant more to me than the race win, so I have got a lot of positive energy at the moment. There is only one driver who has won more [races], Sebastian, so it could be worse - but it could also always be better. If I look back on this year, while it's not been a year in which I have won the most grands prix and the championship, it has been a year where I have learned quite a bit.

"I think I will come out stronger: I can't say I am there yet, but when I get to the winter and reflect on the whole season I will. I'm definitely a lot wiser than when I started the season and that's always a positive."

However, Hamilton is expecting Red Bull to retain its on-track form in 2012 and believes it is up to McLaren to build a car capable of challenging the reigning champions.

"I have no doubts they'll carry on into next season, so it's our job to somehow make sure the car we carry over is better than this year's car by quite a long way, and from day one," Hamilton added. "Every year we try to arrive with a car that's the best but obviously we've struggled in the last couple of years.

"Since 2009 we've started better, and I think with next year's car we'll start on the right track. If we can do that we have the strength to stay ahead and compete with anyone. Time will tell."

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