With the New Year almost upon us, heralding a brand new season in the world of Formula One, McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has looked back over 2009 with fond memories.

Despite not being able to retain his world championship crown, the young Brit was happy with the way his third season in the sport panned out as together with the Woking based team he worked hard to turn around what could have been a disastrous year.

Starting out on the back foot in Melbourne, Lewis was back in the winner’s circle just after the mid season point and the team ended the season in third place overall. So while they weren’t champions, Hamilton has hailed the year as his best to date.....

“The end of another year for me in Formula 1. It is unbelievable that 2010 will be my fourth year in Formula 1! Looking back over the past 12 months I’ve got to say that it was my best 12 months in the sport when you consider where we started from and where we finished up,” he explained on his official website.

“We started with a car that was over two seconds off the pace, but still eventually ended up winning a couple of races and finishing third in the constructors’ – that was an astonishing feat and all made possible by everyone in the team. Everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes worked long and hard to improve our car and performance and it is that never give up spirit that makes us.”

“Also, the unwavering love and support from you our fans and supporters helped us and in particular myself to remain strong and to believe. I want to thank each and every one of you for sticking by us, supporting us, and giving us all the belief and inspiration to keep on pushing to the end. Next year – 2010 – fills me with hope and optimism. I’ve already started my preparations for the next season and am feeling good for the moment.”