Hamilton: Late-season slump a "blessing in disguise"

Hamilton has not won since sealing the title in the United States Grand Prix, as he was beaten by Nico Rosberg in the three final races of the campaign.

But while Hamilton also didn't manage to add to his 11 pole positions of 2015 in the final seven Grands Prix, he remains unconcerned about the slump - and, in fact, sees it as a possible boost.

"I actually look at the last three races as a blessing in disguise," Hamilton said at the Mercedes Stars and Cars event in Stuttgart. "It's kind of - if I'd have won the last three races, that would've been quite a lot of races won in the season. And perhaps I would have gone into next season with less of a buzz.

"But I actually have great determination, a great drive right now and I think that's come from having those results. In that sense, it's been a good thing."

Credit to Rosberg

The British driver said there had been a number of factors that likely contributed to his late-season struggles.

"I'm sure it's a combination of things," Hamilton said. "Firstly, I don't ever take away from the fact that Nico did an exceptional job in those last few races - even actually from Singapore he did an exceptional job in qualifying.

"I think the change in the car seemed to suit him very well. And, you know, when the championship was done, I didn't let off - but I was subconsciously more relaxed, perhaps."