The battle to be the best in your chosen profession can be a mental battle just as much as a physical one.

The more successful sportspeople always find new ways to challenge themselves.

Lewis Hamilton is one of the more fascinating athletes of the modern generation and as he is currently the reigning world F1 champion, you would think he would be extremely happy with the way things are progressing.

Despite this fact, he often carries an aura which says he is carrying a world full of worries on his shoulders.

However, according to someone who has competed against the four-time world champion on a number of times, it is actually a tactic used to keep his inner fires burning.

Currently, there is uncertainty about Hamilton's future with Mercedes as his contract is due to expire at the end of the year.

But according to respected Formula 1 journalist, Ben Hunt, letting his contract wind down could be a clever tactic to put more pressure on himself to perform.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live's F1 podcast: “I did an interview with Mark Webber earlier in the year and he says Lewis Hamilton enjoys self-invented ‘heat’. He likes the pressure to be on," per the Daily Star.

“Hence why his new contract hasn’t been signed, it puts him in the spotlight a little bit.

"If he had it all his own way, you wouldn’t see the best of Lewis Hamilton.

"He kind of invited that extra oomph, he needs that to get the best out of himself."

Hamilton certainly holds all the aces as he can virtually name his price if he indeed wants to stay in the sport.

However, three races into the new year and the Brit is yet to pick up a win so perhaps his tactic isn't quite going to plan just yet.

It is set to be a fascinating situation as the season progresses.