Lewis Hamilton today claimed he can win the Formula One title this year because he is older and wiser than last season when, he now accepts, youthful impetuosity cost him the crown.

Hamilton revealed how learning to restrain his natural instinct to win at all costs, and to banish the nerves he felt behind the wheel of his McLaren, have put him on track for a maiden championship despite a warning from Felipe Massa that the fight for supremacy will continue until "the last lap of the last race".

Going into this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix, Hamilton leads Massa by seven points. And he intends to remain ahead of his Ferrari rival even if it means not repeating his sensational race to the chequered flag on a rain-soaked track at Fuji 12 months ago.

That victory gave Hamilton a 17-point advantage over Kimi Raikkonen, Massa's team-mate, with only two Grands Prix remaining. Yet he went on to lose out to the Finn by a single point at the climax to a campaign tainted by his bitter rivalry with Fernando Alonso and McLaren's involvement in the F1 'Spygate' scandal.

Speaking today at the sweeping circuit lying in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Fuji, 23-year-old Hamilton said: "Last season, I was so excited by the fact I had just arrived in F1. So much was going on, the controversies etc, and I had much to learn and take on board.

"I was leading here but I didn't understand the magnitude of the situation I was in, and what was around me, and the pressure that was on my shoulders.

"I dealt with it the best way I could, and it wasn't the best. But I've learned from those mistakes. I have taken a big step in my personal life and matured as a driver.

"Just as a driver, I feel a lot stronger than I did last year in terms of my state of mind and my fitness. Last year, by this time, I was so exhausted because it was such a crazy season. And last year I felt a bit nervous. But I don't feel it this time."

Hamilton's more considered approach to racing was demonstrated during the Singapore Grand Prix a fortnight ago when he throttled back behind David Coulthard rather than risk a high points-scoring finish with a desperate attempt to overtake.

He said: "Last year, we went into each race trying to win it and not really focusing on the championship. This year we are focused on the championship, and the importance of finishing races and scoring points for the team."

Hamilton eventually took third in Singapore after Massa was robbed of his sixth win of the season by a pit lane blunder which saw the Brazilian drive off with the fuel hose still attached to his car.

But Massa is convinced Ferrari can recover from that humiliation. He said: "This season we have shown good mental strength after bad performances, and there's still 30 points to fight for.

"We will definitely not give up. We will fight until the last lap of the last race. That's all I have on my mind now."

Massa is fired by the prospect of emulating his hero, the late Ayrton Senna, by claiming the championship in front of his own fans in Sao Paulo on 2 November. The 27-year-old said: "If we put everything together and make it, it would be more than a dream come true.

"It would be something really indescribable for a Brazilian driver, with Brazil being a great country for motor sports. We had Senna, who was one of the most incredible drivers ever, and for the championship to return to us would be great for my country."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Legard is set to become the new voice of Formula One when the sport returns to BBC television after a 12-year absence next year.

Confirmation is expected within the next week that Legard, BBC Radio Five Live's football correspondent, has secured one of the most prized commentary roles on the box.

He will head a team that will feature Coulthard as expert pundit, the experienced Red Bull driver moving out of the cockpit and into a seat in front of the cameras when he retires at the end of the season.

The only member of the ITV crew to be taken on by the BBC will be Coulthard's manager Martin Brundle, who has become a cult hero for his frantic interviews on the starting grid before each race.

Lee McKenzie, Sky Sport's award-winning presenter, will replace Louise Goodman as pit lane reporter and Jake Humphrey is set to become F1 news reporter.