Lewis Hamilton opens up about Nicole Scherzinger split

British racing driver Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his split from singer Nicole Scherzinger and admitted he has been going through a "tough time" since their break-up.

The Formula 1 ace began dating the former Pussycat Dolls star in 2007. They separated last year (10) to focus on their careers and then briefly reunited, before calling off their relationship for good earlier this month (Oct11).

Now Hamilton has opened up about his heartbreak, revealing he has been relying on family and throwing himself into racing to cope.

He tells PA, "It's never easy going through tough times. It's these kind of times that are sent to try you, and it's about how you pull through them. I've my family who are helping, so I feel pretty good.

"I've many more days coming up with my family over Christmas and all that, so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just trying to look forward now, and we've three good races coming up, so I'm just trying to keep my mind focused on business."

Hamilton also insists he is still on amicable terms with the brunette beauty, adding, "We're friends at least and we can move forward."