Hamilton gets energy from ’excessive’ lifestyle

Lewis Hamilton says he has no intention of easing back the intensity of his off-track lifestyle.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper asked Hamilton, the reigning triple world champion, about his supposed "rock star" life.

"I do not feel like a rock star," the Briton insisted. "I just live my life differently to most people.

"It’s an exciting life," Hamilton acknowledged. "Last week I was in Washington and sitting not far from the president. The next morning I was in Canada for a bit of training and some music.

"Then we went to LA, Germany, Monaco, London — from there I flew to Colorado and on the way visited a few friends in New York."

Some, however, believe that Hamilton’s jet-setting and off-track exploits - such as an album of pop music he is preparing to release - are a distraction to his core activity of focusing on being an F1 driver.

Hamilton denies it.

"I see it as positive. I enjoy it. This year it has been more excessive than ever and I won almost every race and my third world championship."

Asked if he needs these distractions in order to succeed, the 30-year-old replied: "Yes. What I do is important to me.

"I draw energy and motivation from it, for other things — for the sport. And I feel wonderful about my life," Hamilton added.