Lewis Hamilton does not regard the current Formula One season as a failure - instead labelled the experience "character building".

The McLaren driver is unable to defend the world championship title he won last year after a disappointing season in which he has managed just one solitary victory.

Hamilton trails championship leader Jenson Button by an insurmountable 53 points meaning he has nothing but pride to race for in the remaining four races.

McLaren arrive in Singapore for this weekend's night race with one final upgrade in place for their current car before the team turn their efforts towards developing for next season.

And though Hamilton is understandably disappointed at having to relinquish the world title, he is confident the experience has made him stronger as both a driver and a person.

"I am always pushing and I am always trying to improve as a driver and as human being," he said. "I always try to improve in all kinds of areas, not just on the track but also off it.

"I must never forget where I have come from, to be sitting here with number one on my car and having the title of world champion I can never forget where I have come from and how hard it was to get to where I am.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to have the title. I was not given the chance to defend it this year so I have had to sit by and try to do the best job I could with what I had.

"We have had many ups and downs but it has been character building and a great experience and I plan on coming back next year stronger than ever. I am pushing my team to make sure that happens."

Formula One will be hoping for a great spectacle at this weekend's race in Singapore as the sport looks to move on from the 'crashgate' scandal.

Hamilton finished third at the inaugural race at the Marina Bay street circuit last year and is relishing the chance to race on it once again.

"It feels great to be back, the weather looks good and the track looks great so I am very excited," he added.

"I love street circuits, so every time we have one come up it is exciting. With this being such a new circuit as well there is still a lot to learn.

"Last year went well, it has changed a little bit since last year but we should be able to come back with knowledge from the last race and do better this time.

"The last four races gives us a great opportunity to hopefully compete for wins and it will be great to get some more pole positions. We will just wait and see what we can do."