Aussie "bro" drives Lewis

The McLaren superstar has revealed the vital role his Brisbane-born trainer Adam Costanzo plays in his preparation.

Hamilton, 23, said Costanzo was like family and helped keep his mind focused.

“Adam plays a huge role, not just in my preparation but in my life,” Hamilton told the Herald Sun yesterday.

“He's made a big sacrifice in moving from the UK to Switzerland with me."

“He's almost like a brother because I spend nearly every day with him. He really is working very hard to make sure I'm in the best possible shape for the first race."

“He tries to take a lot of the stress and strain off my shoulders and make my life easier."

“With the training as well, he's got such drive. I've already got that so I can do that on my own, but having someone else, two is better than one and it makes us even stronger.”

The pair spent last week in Queensland, spending time with Costanzo's family in what was a low-key build-up to the first Formula One race of the season.

“We usually go up there because he (Costanzo) has an opportunity to see his family,” Hamilton said.

“So we stayed with his family for a day and then we went to the Gold Coast and did our training there. It's good for running on the beach, great weather — it's just a nice atmosphere up there."

“We get on so well that it's such a great laugh, it makes the training more fun."

“He spices it up, he changes it around a lot. It's just good to be able to do these things."

“Sometimes we go on bike rides for four hours and if you did that on your own you'd be pretty bored. It hypes us up so it's good to have him around.”

After coming within two points of winning the F1 championship last year, Hamilton believes he is driving better this time around.

“Yep, definitely,” he said.

“I'm just taking my time to work on developing certain parts of my driving style. The balance of the car and understanding my car more."

“I feel in the last test I thought I was driving quite well. I'm happy the way I'm driving.”

Despite his success in his rookie F1 season, Hamilton isn't expecting wins to come as easy this time around.

He said adapting to the rule changes that ban traction control, launch control and engine braking would be a challenge.

“With the (driving) aids taken away, the new regulations this year are definitely going to make it harder,” he said.

Ferrari is the hot pre-season pick, but Hamilton isn't playing favourites.

He said he is unconcerned by his rivals ahead of the Australian Grand Prix despite the strong testing form of BMW-Sauber, Renault, Williams and Red Bull.

“To be honest, I haven't focused on any other team,” he said. “Mainly because last year we came here (to Melbourne) and we knew the Ferrari's were a little bit quicker than us."

“This year, forget all that — it's not so important. And also I know we've got a better package than we did last year. I'm confident in our abilities.”

Although he won't predict a win at Albert Park on Sunday, Hamilton is determined to make sure he gets off to a strong start to the season.

“Just to start with getting points is a key,” he said.

“We want to get as many points as we need. For sure having a win in the first race could be a major boost for the team and, obviously, my confidence.

“That is definitely the goal and that is what we have all been working towards.”