LONDON, May 7, 2008 (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton has told his critics to be patient with him and not expect him to achieve too much at an early stage of his career.

The 23-year-old McLaren driver opened his second season in Formula One well with a big win in Australia, but he has struggled in the races since then and has fallen nine points behind world champion Kimi Raikkonen in the drivers´ standings.

"A few people have questioned my commitment, my ability to drive," Hamilton said in the Sun. "I´m not Superman but I believe I have the ability to win a world championship.

"Everybody makes mistakes. I´m sure Nelson Mandela, at 90-odd, still makes mistakes. That´s life.

"What people say about my performances does not really bother me - what does concern me is doing the job to the best of my abilities.

"Once we get everything right, our car is as quick as any.

"Then it is down to the driver to pull out extra bits of time. I think I can do that."

Hamilton will be looking to cut back the points gap on Raikkonen at Sunday´s Turkish Grand Prix, but last year he could only finish fifth in the Istanbul race with Ferrari pulling off a double through winner Felipe Massa and Raikkonen.