Lewis Hamilton has opened his heart about his relationship with everybody's favourite former X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger.

The 29-year-old race ace, who notched up his second Formula One championship at the weekend, has been discussing his love life with The Sun and is clearly a smitten love kitten.

"It's not been easy — she lives in LA, I live in Monaco and I'm travelling a lot for work," he said.

"So obviously this makes it hard for us. But having Nicole there at the weekend was special. People could see the depth of our relationship and the sheer joy we share together."

And he explained that their busy careers still caused problems.

"Her job is shifting all the time, whether it’s X Factor or Dancing With The Stars or Cats or music.

"Juggling your schedule to meet with the other is very hard, and it's a long year with F1.

"At one point I flew to Asia for five weeks and couldn't see her. It's been tough."

But Lewis has been keeping himself out of trouble by indulging his other passion - making music.

Revealing that he's laid down a number of tracks in the recording studio, he told Radio 1: "It's something I'm very passionate about.

"It keeps me chilled and doing things you love is a good thing.

"When I was in Japan, I was in the studio, Monday to Wednesday. Then, Thursday to Sunday, I was racing. Then I was straight back in the studio."

And he even hinted that he could turn pro when his racing days are over.

"At the moment music is just a hobby, but I'm very serious about it," he said.