Time for Hamilton to stand up and be counted

Just seven days after a tense, edgy, inhibited press gathering at the back of the McLaren garage in Shanghai, Hamilton was a little more positive, more lucid, in Bahrain.

There were still no direct questions to be asked pertaining to the ‘lie-gate’ hearing due to take place in front of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday.

Instead, there was a skirting around the edges of a subject which has tainted the team, with queries about his feelings and focus following one of the most turbulent periods of his career.

The 24-year-old was still guarded at times, but then feeling more at ease at others to suggest he was now stronger and had learned from the experience, or ‘personal trauma’ as it was put to him.

‘‘Your words. It’s just one of those tough times,’’ said Hamilton.

‘‘I’m working hard to put it behind me, and as every day goes by I’m feeling better and better and more prepared.

‘‘I definitely feel stronger and far more experienced after what has happened over the past few weeks.

‘‘I am growing all the time, learning. When I met Nelson Mandela he said at 90 years old he is still learning, so I know I am going to continue learning every day of my life.

‘‘As for the guys within the team, the great thing is they are still very enthusiastic, and working harder than ever.

They seem even better than they ever have been.’’ There was a terse ‘‘he’s got a right to his own opinion’’ when it was put to Hamilton Stirling Moss recently remarked on how he felt let down by the 24-year-old.

In China, there was also furious conjecture that followed a tame reply to questions about his long-term future with the team.

With rumours flying of a rift between himself, his father Anthony and the McLaren hierarchy, Hamilton hardly nailed his colours to the mast when pressed on the subject seven days ago.

A week on, and there was no doubting his commitment as he spelled out his desire to be the world champion he is, to drive the team, now and into the future.

‘‘I’m here, I’m enjoying myself and my time at the team.

I don’t abandon my team when times get tough.

When it was put to Hamilton that, as world champion, it was time for him to stand up and be counted, to be that strong driver, his answer was unequivocal.

‘‘Definitely. It’s a good challenge, and I definitely feel I am up for it,’’ replied the Briton.

‘‘Literally, my job is to drive the team forward, to keep doing a good job, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

Hamilton finished with the fourth fastest time overall following the two 90 -minute practice sessions at the Sakhir circuit yesterday..

He trails leader Jenson Button by 17 points in the standings but is far from giving up on retaining his crown.

‘‘I think it (the title) is still on, and although the other guys are quite a bit ahead, I guess anything can happen in 14 races,’’ said Hamilton.