Hamilton is in a reflective mood ahead of this weekend's race

McLaren's Hamilton is seven points ahead of Brazilian driver Felipe Massa of Ferrari, with only two races to follow this weekend's Japan Grand Prix.

The Briton was in a similarly strong position to win the championship in his rookie season last year, but errors in the final two races enabled Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen to storm home and take the title.

Feeling stronger

Autosport magazine quoted Hamilton as saying "I learned from those mistakes and I come here this year having taken a big step in my personal life as a grown-up."

"And as a driver I have matured, learned from my mistakes and am working as hard as I can to improve in all areas.

"Just as a driver, in this part of the season, I feel a lot stronger than I did last year in terms of my state of mind and my fitness.

"Last year, by this time of the year I was so exhausted because it was such a crazy season."

McLaren have given Hamilton their full support

2007 lessons

Hamilton, who feuded with then-teammate Fernando Alonso in 2007 and admitted being overwhelmed with the excitement and pressure, won last year's rain-soaked Japan GP but his season then turned sour.

"I was a little bit younger and so excited by the fact that I had just arrived in Formula One,'' Hamilton said.

"So much was going on, the controversies, and so much to learn and take on board.

"I was leading here but I did not understand the magnitude of the situation I was in and what was around me and the pressure that was on my shoulders.

"I dealt with it the best way I could, and it wasn't the best."

Points importance

McLaren is now focused on helping him to the title, whereas last year Hamilton and Alonso both stood a chance of winning the championship in the closing races.

Neither did. Alonso then went back to Renault, illustrating the disharmony in the McLaren garage in 2007.

"This year we are focused on the championship, and the importance of finishing races and scoring points for the team," Hamilton said.

"This year, being more of a team player is what we are doing."

Strong lead

Hamilton increased his lead in the drivers' standings and McLaren took a one-point advantage in the constructors' standings due to Ferrari's dismal performance in the Singapore GP.

The Italian team finished without a point after it botched Massa's pit stop, moving him from first to last, and Raikkonen crashed out late.

But Hamilton is not writing off Ferrari, acknowledging, on the evidence of Singapore qualifying, that "they are a little bit quicker than us."

Ferrari threat

"I haven't looked at the championship points, but as far as I see it everyone is in the running for the championship in terms of the guys I am racing with," Hamilton said.

"I don't know how many points Kimi is behind, but there are 30 points available and he can still do it.

"And he did it last year, so I can't take it for granted."

There is a chance of rain over the weekend, though not the downpours witnessed in 2007.

Alonso is keeping his options open

Alonso calm

Fernando Alonso has refused to rule out a move from Renault despite being left with few alternatives for 2009.

The double world champion had been linked with a move to BMW-Sauber until they decided this week to stick with Poland's Robert Kubica and Germany's Nick Heidfeld.

The removal of that option left Alonso with a likely toss-up between Honda, who have made their interest clear and are waiting on the Spaniard's decision, and a further season at Renault.

Toro Rosso are the only other team with a clear vacancy.

Many possibilities

"I have a contract with Renault for next year and the possibility to take that extension or not," Alonso said.

"I prefer to wait until the end of the season.

"After Brazil I will make my decision."

Alonso said his surprise win in Singapore last month, his first victory in more than a year and Renault's first since the Spaniard won his second title with them in 2006, would have no bearing.

"It's the same question as always," he smiled.

Big decision

"On the Saturday we had the fuel pump problems and I was out of Q2 (the second stage of qualifying) and the question was would it change my decision.

"The day after I won the race and it was 'Will this change your decision?', nothing changed my decision.

"It will be more important than one single result.

"It's more about understanding next year's regulations, next year's car, the aerodynamics, whatever.

"We need to pay attention to that."

Got lucky

Alonso added: "We were extremely lucky with the race, safety cars, tyre decisions, everything was perfect for us.

"In a normal race Ferrari and McLaren are still unbeatable."

With the door to his first choice Ferrari closing on him last month when the champions extended Kimi Raikkonen's contract, Alonso said he was not surprised to hear BMW-Sauber announce an unchanged line-up.

Ferrari full

"It was never a possibility," shrugged the 27-year-old, who rejoined Renault this year after a bitter season at McLaren spent feuding with management and team mate Lewis Hamilton.

"It was never a serious approach.

"They were quite happy with their drivers and there was no time to talk for me.

"Next year anything can happen but now I have three races left and I want to concentrate on driving for Renault which is my job this year.

"I think next year I will have a competitive car," said Alonso.

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