“There's not really a lot I can do about it. I'm just not into that sort of thing. I really want to enjoy it, but I don't have to be walking down a red carpet. I've never wanted that sort of treatment.
“I have experienced it in some places, but I'm not looking for events to go to so I can be seen. I just enjoy being sat in the back like any other member of the audience. I like to meet people, but then people start making stories out of it.
“It does not affect my life in any way, shape or form. Sure, the opinion you end up giving people does affect you because at the end of the day I am not a mean guy and I am out there doing the best job that I can.
“Small mistakes happen. I am sure that everyone makes similar mistakes to those I do, but you're not in the spotlight like me.
“People try and make me something that I'm not, but the majority of the time – 99.9 per cent of the time – it's only my dad's opinion that matters.”
Preferring to turn his attentions ahead rather than reflect on issues passed, Hamilton is confident of being able to bounce back on home turf at
Silverstone in just under a fortnight's time [see separate story –
click here], after setting pole position for his first British Grand Prix this time twelve months ago only to go the wrong way on strategy in the race and eventually take the chequered flag third.
“I absolutely 100 per cent aim on bouncing back there,” he urged. “Regardless of what's written in the papers I will go back to the workshop, push with the team, focus on the next race and hit ‘em hard.
“Racing is racing and I'm going to keep battling. I don't care how far I am behind. Kimi [Raikkonen] was 17 points behind with two races to go [last year] and he still won it. If I'm 20 points behind I don't care – I will still come back.
