Hamilton upbeat in Bahrain

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The past few weeks have been the toughest of Hamilton's career, and there remains a sense of nervous anticipation ahead of next Wednesday's World Motor Sport Council hearing into 'lie-gate'.

But Hamilton asserted: "I'm here, I'm enjoying myself and my time at the team. I don't abandon my team when times get tough."

McLaren have made proactive strides into attempting to sway the WMSC after Hamilton and Dave Ryan were found fabricating a story to the stewards to claim third place at the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton has issued an emotional apology; Ryan has been sacked; Ron Dennis has departed as CEO of McLaren Racing, and team boss Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed writing a letter to the FIA admitting his team's guilt.

McLaren are far from off the hook as they have effectively pleaded guilty to all five charges against them of deception, and it is now in the hands of the WMSC to determine how deep within the team the deceit ran.

"We ride the bad and good times together, so I am happy where I am," Hamilton added. "We've a long way to go, and hopefully I've got a long, long time here with them, so I am looking forward to it."

When it was put to Hamilton that as world champion it was time for him to stand up and be counted, to be a strong driver, his answer was unequivocal.

"Definitely. It's a good challenge and I definitely feel I am up for it," said the 24-year-old. "Literally, my job is to drive the team forward, to keep doing a good job, and that's what I'm trying to do.

"We have a goal, a target, and whilst we work towards that target, there are no distractions."