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END: Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger called time on their four-year relationship earlier this month

LEWIS HAMILTON says that he is finding it 'tough' coming to terms with the demise of his four-year relationship to Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.

The F1 ace, who is known for being notoriously secretive about his private life, said that he was getting through the break up with the help of his family and friends.

"I've been dealing with it on my own with great support from my family," he told the BBC.

The pair split earlier this month with friends claiming that their conflicting work schedules had forced them apart.

“They are still very good friends and it was an amicable split, but they just decided it was impossible to keep the relationship going with such conflicting work schedules,” said one friend.

However, the 26-year-old driver said that he wouldn't let the break up with the 33-year-old get in the way of this weekend's Indian Grand Prix race.

"It's very tough but I was still able to focus at the last race and I still have that attitude."

"When those kind of things in your life are good they have a great impact on your life - and that relationship did," he said.

The 2008 World Champion admits that hasn't been on top form recently, but hopes things will soon change.

"It was good to get back on the podium but it's only one race - it's been a whole year of ups and downs. Hopefully with more races I'll begin to feel a boost," he said.