It's Rivalry Against Myself - Hamilton

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Formula one (F1) world champion, Lewis Hamilton (right) denied criticism that there was rivalry between him and team mate, Nico Rosberg this season. "It is not competing individually in a team but it is competing with yourself. I have to put on my best performance in the race. As a team, we have our own mission, that is to win the constructors' title," said Hamilton in a post season press conference hosted by team partners, Petronas, here Tuesday. The 30-year-old Briton who has not won a race since securing his third world title in October, also denied it had anything to do with his recent dip in form. "I have come a long way to be able to achieve what I have. After the first championship (2008) I was not really able to enjoy it as it happened in a blink of an eye. I am not really handling it (the critics) in any way, I am a three time World Champion," he said. "I was 23 then and growing up I had a lot of experience karting and racing cars to prepare me (for Formula One) but not for this. The emotions were just too much too handle, I was just too young and not wise enough for the world to be able to enjoy it. "As you get older, you learn to appreciate things more. I don't take things for granted, especially with all the people involved in making this a success," he added. For the record, Hamilton had won 10 races in the F1 World Championship en route to winning the title once again this year. Hamilton noted that he would like to celebrate his achievement and enjoy his Christmas holiday with his family and keep racing off his mind for a while. "For Christmas this year, I'm looking forward to shopping with my family and getting them presents... but there is not really anything I want to have for myself," he quipped. "However, the best thing Toto Wolff could give me is a car capable of winning the championship next year," Hamilton said when teasing the Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports, Wolff, who was also present at the press conference. Petronas' acting Senior General Manager Group Strategic Communications, Rizan Ismail was also present at the press conference. The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team also won the constructors title for a second year in a row. For the new season, he noted that everybody would have to work hard to secure another success story. "Not only myself, the technical people who have to set up the car. Everybody in the team must work hard. It is always pressure for the team (with F1 race new rules and regulations). "Success will only come with hard work, commitment and determination," said Hamilton. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA