Hamilton defends 'work hard, play hard' lifestyle

If Lewis Hamilton's Instagram account was anything to go by, the British driver had the time of his life this year, wrapping up a third World Championhsip title but also indulging in all sorts of social and sporting activities which at times made it appear as if he was burning the candle at both ends.

Hamilton even forced Mercedes to change his contract in order to allow him to indulge in some of his favourite sporting activities which had previously been considered off-limits by his employer.

But the Formula 1 super star believes it's all about striking the right existential balance which keeps him happy.

"I do everything, I wake-board, I ski, I skydive," he told BBC Radio 1.

" I kind of took the dangerous sports clause out of my contract, and try to do it with a nice balance. I don't want to go through my whole F1 career only driving, but of course I don't want to be sitting watching someone else driving my car.

"So I am very, very cautious when I do things, but I am a bit crazy. I enjoy it, and you've got to enjoy your work, you work so hard and it's a long, long year, and you've got to make sure you work hard, play hard."

On the subject of his social exposure and jet-set agenda, Hamilton was adamant his racing had not suffered from his frequent trans-Atlantic crossings and gala life.

"To be honest, this is the first year that I've ever really done it. And you know what, I'd be partying, I'd turn up, and I'd win the race.

"I think honestly up until this year, I would never really go out. I think last year I went out like three times, I was just so focused. But it's too extreme.

"This year I guess has been a real transition for me. My friends would be like, 'Hey do you want to go out for a drink, or come to dinner?,' and in the past I'd be, 'No, I've got to be up training.'

"Now I make sure I do it, and I do the training. You've got to get the balance, and this year it's been amazing.

"It's been one of the most successful - the most successful year - in my whole career. It was just great that when people were writing all those stories, I'd turn up and I'd perform. So I'm going to continue."

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