Lewis Hamilton must find a way to cope with losing.

That is the view of 1996 world champion Damon Hill, who also warned the Mercedes driver to strike a better balance between his professional and private lives.

Hill told Germany’s Kolner Express tabloid that Hamilton, the 2015 championship leader and reigning world champion, does not react well when he is beaten.

"Lewis does not respond well even if he finishes second," Hill, 54, said.

"I think he has to change that behaviour," he added, referring to Hamilton’s surly reaction to being beaten.

"Even Michael Schumacher found a way to finish second and still show the result as a kind of victory," said Hill, referring to his former arch rival.

Hill, who now works as a pundit for British television, also expressed concerns about Hamilton’s off-track lifestyle.

"I’m worried about his lifestyle," he said. "He’s at boxing matches, fashion shows, concerts, but I’m afraid you have to sacrifice some of that easy-going lifestyle.

"You can’t have it both ways," warned Hill.