The energy and optimism of Lewis Hamilton shows no signs of subsiding. Why should it? Well, after gaining a ten-place grid penalty at this weekend's French Grand Prix after his pit-lane crash in Canada the young maverick from Hertfordshire exclaimed: "I guess I’ll just have to pass some cars to get myself into the points!"

It's an admirable attitude, but what else would you expect from this extraordinary man? Anyone who thought that Hamilton would not be capable of keeping up his barnstorming start to a professional career obviously needs a bit of medical treatment.

The man is an absolute superstar and not in the making, either. He is here, and barring a disaster will be so for many years to come. With only 14 points separating the top five drivers, this season could be one of the most exciting ever.

Can Hamilton do it after going so close in his debut season as F1 driver? Of course he can, although it's going to take every drop of talent, charisma and skill to reach that plateau. Magny-Cours is not the easiest track for passing and historically McLaren have not fared too well in France.

However, if there is anyone who can perform under pressure and lift himself into the points, it's Hamilton. Since debuting in F1 he has had 16 podium finishes and six wins in 24 races. The win in Monaco recently was simply stunning.

Two wins this year so far and a second at the Turkish Grand Prix, which Hamilton described as his best race ever, have currently left him four points adrift of Robert Kubica and on the same points total (38) as Felipe Massa. The chasing pack are not far behind with Kimi Raikkonen and Nick Heidfeld also looking dangerous.

It's a fascinating season and the credentials of each of the top five drivers are impeccable. With two wins apiece so far this season, Hamilton, Massa and Raikkonen will be the drivers who should have the lasting ability to forge ahead in the coming races.

With Silverstone looming next on the F1 calendar after France, Hamilton will be looking to improve on his third place last year, having begun the race in pole. He became a genuine title contender in his first season as an F1 driver and a nation finally had a sporting hero that they looked to to deliver.

Let's hope that expectation does not have the same effect on Hamilton as other hyped-up British stars. Somehow I think this young man is a different type of guy. One who will not flinch under pressure. He has already proved to the watching millions that he thrives in this environment. It's Hamilton’s playground and although it's still too early to call, it is likely that this year’s championship will go right down to the final day.

Hamilton must be hoping that damage limitation will be the order of the day in France this weekend as full points for Kubica can open up a healthy gap for the Polish driver, and Massa can pounce to gain an advantage.

Hamilton will not win at Magny-Cours but any sort of minor points addition will be looked upon as an utterly stunning bonus. This race could make or break Hamilton's season in the psychological department and send him into the British Grand Prix in boisterous form. For Britain's sake, let's hope so.