LEWIS HAMILTON yesterday launched a powerful defence of himself, his management and his father Anthony as he continues to battle through what he has described as “the most testing year” of his career.

Lewis Hamilton has dismissed suggestions his celebrity lifestyle is proving a hindrance to a Formula One career he admits is failing to hit the heights.

Lewis Hamilton has been forced to defend himself for the third consecutive race after hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh believes Lewis Hamilton should continue to go for broke in his bid for success.