Hamilton learns to cope without his dad in the pit lane

Just days before the campaign began, Hamilton caused a major stir when he announced dad Anthony would no longer be his manager.

Over time it became clear the previously inseparable duo were no longer talking to one another, such was the depth of their rift. But time has at least helped to heal the wounds as the Hamiltons are again on speaking terms, although the situation has been far from an easy one for Lewis to handle.

For the 25-year-old it has been part of a bigger picture of a year which he concedes has "not been the greatest for many, many reasons".

"Just the whole year has been difficult, family-wise, with some family members not always well and then the whole situation with my dad," said Hamilton.

"Of course things are better than they were then, but nonetheless it still took a massive toll on my dad, my mum, my team and myself.

"It's been different not having them here, a real transition this year, although I do feel I've moved on. But then it's not an easy thing you just switch like that because, whilst dealing with all the other stuff, you're also focusing on the job."

On the christening of the new Korea International Circuit, Hamilton finished the day's two practice sessions third quickest behind Mark Webber in his Red Bull and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Webber finished the day with a lap of one minute 37.942seconds, almost two tenths of a second ahead of Alonso.

Hamilton was 0.377secs behind Webber, while Renault's Robert Kubica was fourth overall. Reigning champion Jenson Button in his McLaren and Ferrari's Felipe Massa were the only other drivers to finish within a second of Webber.

Sebastian Vettel, the man in form at the moment after finishing second and first in the last two grands prix to close the gap to team-mate Webber to 14 points in the title race, surprisingly was 1.262secs down in seventh place.

Renault continued their strong showing with Vitaly Petrov in eighth place.