Lewis Hamilton has suggested he feels he receives more criticism compared to other F1 drivers as he prepares for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
The 40-year-old will be hoping to secure glory at the first attempt following his move from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Hamilton has won seven F1 titles throughout his career, an achievement matched only by Michael Schumacher.
In recent years his form has dipped, however, leading to some figures associated with the sport to dismiss him as a faded force.
Lewis Hamilton has suggested he feels he receives more criticism compared to other F1 drivers as he prepares for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix
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Now, per Formula1.com, Hamilton has opened up on the criticism he receives.
And the veteran has suggested he feels he receives more negativity compared to other drivers, despite everything he's achieved over the years.
“Naturally in our sport, criticism is something that everyone receives," he said.
“I think I’ve probably received a lot more of it perhaps throughout my career."
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Hamilton has, however, claimed that he uses criticism as 'fuel' to do better - with the Formula One icon focused on securing a record eighth championship this term.
“I’m just in the mindset [that] I just keep my head down, keep doing what I’m doing. I know that I’m growing each day, I know I’m bound to make mistakes – I’m only human," he said.
“But one thing I’m proud of is that I have the drive, I have the focus, I’m able to admit when I’m wrong, and I know that tomorrow I will work to be better.
“It really doesn’t matter to me, some of the comments that have come out over my career – it’s not just been this past 12 months or so. I just use that as fuel.”
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Lewis Hamilton is loving life at Ferrari ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix
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Hamilton has looked visibly delighted during his time at Ferrari so far.
And he admits that he's enjoying life in his new surroundings, despite the obvious pressure on his shoulders.
“It definitely has," he said when asked if his time with the side has lived up to expectations so far.
“It’s one thing seeing it from outside, but then when you’re actually in it, it’s pretty extreme, it’s pretty incredible.
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“Just from speaking to the whole team, seeing the whole team at the factory all in one space and seeing how passionate and excited everyone [is], walking around all the different departments… people who just live and breathe Ferrari.
“It’s what you grow up dreaming of getting to work at, those smaller places and towns in Italy where they’ve grown up dreaming of one day being there.
"[You can see] how proud they are to work there, and how much pride they take in their work is really beautiful to see.
“The Tifosi, I could see it obviously watching Charles [Leclerc] and Carlos [Sainz] over the years and with Sebastian [Vettel], but to be on the receiving end of it is a new experience that I couldn’t have imagined exactly.”
Lewis Hamilton will be looking to win a first Australian Grand Prix since 2015 on Sunday
GETTYThe Australian Grand Prix is due to start at 4am on Sunday.
Hamilton hasn't won a race Down Under since 2015, with Carlos Sainz securing glory in the event last year.
