Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel has insisted that he is still focused on winning races.

Reports had claimed that the German Red Bull driver, who has won two world titles, could be distracted by the attention that comes with success.

However, Vettel has denied that school of thought, revealing that he still hates to be beaten.

"The possibility of winning three titles is not keeping me awake at night. Winning the first world championship was a relief because you have proven to yourself that you can do it, which is more important than anything else. But that doesn't mean that you don't care what happens next," the 24-year-old told reporters.

"Nothing has changed. I'm still hungry and getting upset when there are other people beating me, which is a good thing. There's nothing wrong with losing, it's how you come back.

"It would be immature to believe that nothing will go wrong. I should be smart enough to know that it will not always go my way. Even last season we had races where we could and should have done better. That's life, in a way."

Vettel will begin the defence of his crown in Australia this weekend.