Hamilton feeling relaxed

Lewis Hamilton insists the tag of world champion has allowed him to relax heading into the new Formula One season.

Hamilton will take to the wheel of McLaren's new challenger - the MP4-24 - for the first time on Wednesday at the Algarve Motor Park. That will be 81 days after he was crowned F1 king, taking the title in dramatic circumstances on the final lap of the last race in Brazil.

"I don't think there is any added pressure just because I'm now world champion," insisted Hamilton. "In fact, I feel more relaxed going into the season simply because I'm coming off a great season."

He added: "It is like when you go from race to race in that when you win one race, at the next you've extra confidence.

"I feel I have reset my goals, and reset my targets back to when I started in Formula One in that I want to be world champion.

"I don't sit here saying 'I am world champion'. I sit here saying 'I want to be world champion'."

Hamilton also paid tribute to Ron Dennis, who on Friday confirmed he will step down as team principal of McLaren from March 1.

Dennis was the man who gave Hamilton his opportunity in the sport, and has nurtured him since the age of 13.

"Ron is a huge part of the team," remarked Hamilton. "He has racing in his blood, so he will never leave. He will always play a part, and I will always remain close to him.

"I've known him since I was 10. We have a great relationship, and he has made a huge impact on my life - and he still does today - and we are great friends."