Hamilton's McLaren team boss Ron Dennis called it a "challenging period."

"It's amazing how many different things happen in a year but all we're thinking about is how we can continue in the sport and continue to put on a good show," Hamilton said.

Hamilton missed out on becoming the first rookie champion by one point last year, but rebounded to become the youngest F1 champion at 23 in November - by a single point.

Hamilton overtook Toyota's Timo Glock on the final bend at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix to finish fifth and secure the title after Ferrari's Felipe Massa had won his home race as he needed to.

Hamilton expects more of the same close racing next season despite the dramatic changes. "We don't know who's going to be quick, surely we're going to be at the front, with Ferrari maybe, BMW, but you never know. Maybe there's going to be a fourth team up there with us."

Hamilton added that becoming F1's first black champion "was hard" because of having "to break down the barrier and it was not easy but we got there, and I have been accepted very well."

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