I can't afford any mistakes - Hamiton

Lewis Hamilton has been speaking about how he approaches Formula 1 from a mental perspective, adding that although there are moments when he shows signs of nerves, he doesn't see that as a negative and feels he can't make a mistake in France this weekend.

Some low key drives in Monaco and Canada have allowed Sebastian Vettel to close the gap and indeed overtake him in the driver's championship, with the German now leading by a single point.

Hamilton knows that with such a hectic schedule coming up in the next six weeks ahead of the August break, he cannot afford to slip up - but was keen to reflect on the fact that he can only do his best to achieve and hope that things fall into place.

Speaking to Paper Magazine, he said: "I encourage people to listen to their own minds and ignore those who restrict them or knock them off the path to their dreams. You only have one life, that's my thinking.

"There are definitely times when I have been nervous, but I don't think that's a bad thing. There are only 21 races and every one is so crucial that you can't afford to make a mistake.

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"When you practice and practice and practice and then you don't achieve what you know you are capable of doing, it's painful. When you envisage your goal, you become more confident.

"You need to worry less about your surroundings; if you are the best that you can be, that's all you can do."

Hamilton added that he has never been more driven to win the driver's championship again after his success last season, saying that racing will remain 'at the core' of who he is.

He added: "There are a lot of different things that motivate me. My desire to win this championship is greater than it's ever been. I do all of these different things in my life and I have all of these other interests, but none of this would be possible without racing.

"At the core of me is racing, above everything else. So much time, dedication and sacrifice has gone into getting where I am today and I love what I do; I love the competition and the challenge."