Under-fire Hamilton feeling the love from McLaren

Not for the first time this season the post-mortem of a race, in this case Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, centres on Hamilton – his driving style, his personal conduct, his apparent lack of direction.

Hamilton’s father Anthony has fanned the flames lapping at his son by accusing his management company, XIX Entertainment, of failing to adequately support the 26-year-old in his hours of need.

With XIX perhaps wisely opting not to get into a war of words with their client’s father, it was once again left to Whitmarsh to throw a protective blanket around Hamilton, who has incurred five drive-through penalties this season for his misdemeanours.

The latest was at the Marina Bay Street Circuit where Hamilton drove into the right-rear tyre of Felipe Massa’s Ferrari, causing an instant puncture and damaging his own front wing.

Given it was the fourth incident between the duo this season, it incurred Massa’s wrath as they later clashed in the pen where post-race TV and radio interviews are conducted.

Whitmarsh applauded Hamilton for showing “commendable restraint” in not retaliating, adding: “Lewis is having plenty of love from the team.

“I’ve known him since he was 11 and I’ve seen him go through great moments of elation, of achievement, also of disappointment.

“Naturally there is a big affinity between him, myself and various other members in this team.”

With Hamilton now definitely out of the title race, Whitmarsh concedes more needs to be doneto help the 2008 champion.

“Various things have happened – the team can take some blame and Lewis can take some blame,” added Whitmarsh.

“I think at various times in motor racing things just don’t go your way, and you have these kind of runs. None of us are perfect.”

Speedway’s Premier League leaders Glasgow took another step towards the title with a 54-40 victory over Sheffield Tigers in last night’s fixture at Ashfield.