McLaren Mercedes star driver Lewis Hamilton [Images] is just getting used to his life as debut driver leading the Formula One world championship.

With manic adulation from the British people and the media fawning all over him, the young driver's been taking one step at a time as he adjusts to the glare of the flashbulbs.

In his new role as ambassador for wristwatch-brand Tag Heuer (a position once occupied by a certain Michael Schumacher [Images]), the young Hamilton was smooth as silk at a private TAG event held in London's [Images] Hempel Hotel on Wednesday, July 4.

"It's a privilege for me to be racing for McLaren; it's a team I have always wanted to race for, and, to be honest, I really want to see out my career with them," the 22-year-old Grand Prix sensation declared on the eve of Sunday's British Grand Prix

If the confidence is an indication, he's getting used to this.

Hamilton has made an astonishing start to his debut season in Formula One, claiming a podium finish in each of the eight Grands Prix to date to open up a 14-point lead at the top of the drivers' standings.

Photograph: Getty Images