Former world champion Damon Hill has urged Lewis Hamilton to manage his private life more efficiently if he wants to win the Formula One title again.

Reports of Hamilton's private life became commonplace in the news during last season and Hill believes that the distractions did not help the 2008 champion's campaign.

Hill said: "I think he has to show he's able to manage his personal life better.

"He'll be the first to acknowledge there were some distractions last year. He's a bright boy. He needs to keep his eye on the job."

McClaren will be hoping that Lewis Hamilton can close the gap on Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in 2012.