Hamilton buoyed ahead of Brazil

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It is all in stark contrast to a year ago as Hamilton left Shanghai a distraught figure after throwing away his first chance to become Formula One's first rookie world champion. The 23-year-old was on course for the points needed to guarantee him the crown, only to beach his McLaren in the pit lane gravel trap as worn tyres and a damp track saw him slide into misery.

"I would say there's a psychological difference in going to Brazil this year compared to last year," said Hamilton, who ultimately missed out by a point to Kimi Raikkonen in last year's title race. "We went there (last year) on the back foot, knowing Ferrari would be very competitive. This year, after having a good race, we will now be able to settle down, back to where we were at the beginning of the week."

Hamilton, who is seven points clear of Felipe Massa, continued: "We will work very hard to arrive in Brazil even more competitive, and I'm sure we will, which is comforting, so I'm feeling good about it.

"We will go there a bit calmer, with a bit more confidence in the package and knowing what we have to do.

"I do know it's going to be another tough weekend, but again we will just try to do the best job we can.

"And it will be tough because Felipe and Kimi will be pushing us hard, but hopefully as a team we can pull through."