LEWIS HAMILTON feels the last few turbulent weeks have taught him more about life and himself, enabling him to grow as a person and a driver.
Since the 'lie-gate' scandal erupted following an Australian Grand Prix from which he was disqualified, the world champion has been a distant, troubled figure. With the exception of calling a press conference to offer up humble apologies for the erro
r of his ways in Australia and Malaysia, the 24-year-old has shunned the media spotlight.
On the occasions he has been forced to step back into it, Hamilton has been stern, terse, off-hand, doing more harm than good with his clipped comments.
But in the run-up to Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix he has rekindled his love affair with Formula One. The sparkle was back in his eyes and Hamilton was his usual charming self.
Having had the time to reflect, Hamilton believes he has learned from all that has unfolded, and that he can now move forward.
"With all the experiences I've had, I'm not perfect, and I'll say things wrong every now and again. I'm sure everyone does," he remarked.
He maintains deep down he is still a normal guy, that despite his multi-million-pound-per-year salary and the glamorous pop star girlfriend, Nicole Sherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, he is not the superstar the outside world perceive him to be.
"From the way people make sport and us drivers look, whilst we look like superstars, we live pretty normal lives," insisted Hamilton.
"If anything your apartment may be bigger than mine. I've a nice, neat place, nothing special, nothing spectacular. I have made that mistake in the past with people in hierarchy, yet they are humans at the end of the day."
At the heart of his re-enlightenment has been father Anthony, often perceived as being too close to his son given he also serves as his manager.
Hamilton is adamant such an observation could not be further from the truth, adding: "Me and my dad have a fantastic relationship and what has happened has not affected it in any way at all.
"If anything it's strengthened it. We've grown closer through the experience."
