London, Oct 30(ANI): Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton has said that he has gained a lot of experience from this season, which he will utilize to be an even better driver next year.

The McLaren star overcame a nightmare start to the season to head into the season finale in Abu Dhabi as the leading points scorer in the past seven races. Hamilton has pulled in 40 points from five podium finishes, which included two victories.

“Honestly, I’m not sitting here thinking ‘Shoot, I wish this or that had happened’. But it’s been a really good year and I’ve learnt a huge amount. I’m happy, especially now the results are beginning to show,” The Sun quoted Hamilton, as saying.

“We’re not ending the season in last place and we’ve done a great job as a team. My driving has been on a par or even better than the performance I have in my car. It’s been a good experience. It’s definitely one I’ll put in the bag and carry with me. So, hopefully, I’m a bit wiser and better at decision-making too,” he added.

When asked about his disappointing beginning to the start of the season, Hamilton said: “You can’t ever be ready for a bad year. There are times in life when you’re going to get things, which come as a shock. It’s how you deal with it that counts. It’s like your first injury, your first cut or break, you deal with it better next time and I think it’s the same kind of mentality.”

“I’ve always said I try to turn negatives into positives if I can. Sometimes you have such a big negative it’s hard to turn it into a positive but such a lot of positives have come out of this year. All the negative experiences help me grow as a person,” he added.

Hamilton’s hopes of retaining the title he won last year were over before the season started after his MP4-24 car turned out to be a dud. He also had to face the ‘Liargate’ scandal after he and McLaren were caught lying twice to stewards at the curtain-raiser in Australia in his bid to get an extra point. (ANI)