Lewis Hamilton admits he is under pressure entering Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix but is adamant that he is “up for the fight” as he looks to bounce back from one of the worst weekends of his Formula One career.

Hamilton wrecked his McLaren in practice ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix three weeks ago and fared no better in the race proper, finishing pointless after ploughing into the back of Fernando Alonso’s Renault.

The 23-year-old eventually trundled home 13th, leaving him heading into this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix trailing Kimi Raikkonen, the world champion, by five points and admits expectations are somewhat higher this season after he finished runner-up in 2007, his rookie year.

“I put a lot on myself in wanting to do well for the team,” Hamilton said. “There are obviously pressures there, and I guess it is slightly different this year because last year no-one expected anything from me.

“But I guess this year people do, which doesn’t bother me in the slightest. I don’t think it distracts me or makes it harder for me to do my job. “I just want to win more than ever, that is through passion and determination.”

With so long between races, Hamilton has had time to mull over his failings in Bahrain, but is determined to make amends.

“I thought about it, and it was a disappointment,” he added. “I mainly felt sorry for the team because we had the car to do a better job and I didn’t do it. But the team have been very supportive, as have my family. I’ve taken it on the chin and kept it high.

“I’ve said I’ll do a better job here, and that is always the key, turning it around and coming back stronger.

“I’ll still approach it [the weekend] in the same way, although obviously I won’t be making the same mistake again. But I know I’m feeling fresh after a good break from racing, and making sure I feel that way has been important.

“I feel good and I feel confident we have got a good package and I feel up for the fight.”