LEWIS Hamilton has revealed how the fall-out with his father has taken its toll on him this season.

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.

Time has at least helped to heal the wounds as the Hamiltons are again on speaking terms, but 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’’.

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

‘‘Of course things are better than they were then, but 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, although I do feel I’ve moved on in a positive way.

‘‘It’s not an easy thing to switch like that because, while dealing with all the other stuff, you are also focusing on the job.’’ Hamilton has dismissed the suggestion he has found it tough to cope with, and certainly that it has had any negative impact on the track.

‘‘Everyone has tough times,’’ he added. ‘‘It’s just that when my dad was here and we had the fastest car most things were positive.

‘‘There have been some negatives this year, but gradually I’ve turned them into positives.’’ With the worst behind him, as far as Hamilton is concerned the only way is up – in particular in his battle for the championship after a worrying run in which he has slipped from leader to 28 points down.

‘‘We’re still fighting for the championship, and it’s great to see the spirit within the team,” he said.

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.

Following a troubling time in Japan 12 days ago when McLaren were trounced by Sebastian Vettel and Webber who enjoyed a dominant one -two, Hamilton felt there was more of a level playing field.

‘‘We’ve a few more new bits on the car than were in Japan,’’ he said.

‘‘We didn’t have all the bits together then to be able to put them on.”