Summary Hamilton was quizzed at a pre-race news conference at Spa-Francorchamps on Thursday
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton has defended himself against suggestions that he may be suffering from a hectic lifestyle ahead of this weekend s Belgian Grand Prix.
The defending two-time world champion and current series leader was quizzed at a pre-race news conference at Spa-Francorchamps on Thursday.
Asked if, according to the activities recorded in various social media sources, he was enjoying a new life , Hamilton said he had not changed anything - despite reports that he had taken in a succession of celebrity events on both sides of the Atlantic.
"No, I don t have a new way of life," he said. "There is just more visibility now, to you. That s it.
He added: "It s been working well for me for the last couple of years."
Hamilton added that he was confident about this weekend s race, but knew his Mercedes team would have to work harder than all their rivals to succeed.
"We definitely don t feel we have any advantage. We come here naturally wanting to win and to focus on staying up front.
"But the other teams are working so hard and we can t expect it to be easy. They are pushing hard and we have to push harder to win."
A relaxed Hamilton admitted he hoped he and the team enjoyed the race more than last year s Belgian event when he was involved in an acrimonious collision and spat with his Mercedes team-mate German Nico Rosberg.
"We want to forget that and get a good result for the team," he said.
Rosberg, 30, has arranged for a private jet to be at his disposal at Liege airport in case he flies home to Monte Carlo to be at his wife s bedside as the couple await the arrival of their first child.
