Hamilton defends his management

LEWIS HAMILTON has again launched a robust defence of his management team.

XIX Entertainment, run by Simon Fuller, were heavily criticised on numerous occasions for seemingly failing to support Hamilton during his times of need during a turbulent 2011 Formula One campaign.

Following a lengthy period running his own affairs after splitting from father Anthony as his manager early last year, Hamilton opted for XIX as he felt they afforded him a bright future in, and away from, F1. However, the fact Fuller maintained his traditional low profile with a client — attending only two races all season — suggested the relationship was not particularly cosy.

Only on Monday, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone described Hamilton’s decision to team up with Fuller as “a disaster”.

Assessing the handling of Hamilton’s personal life this year, a forthright Ecclestone added: “A lot to do with these things, it depends an awful lot on the people you surround yourself with, and who are in a position to influence you.

“I think he just fell into a lot of people that I think weren’t good for him.”

Hamilton, however, has staunchly defended XIX all year, and did so again recently — prior to Ecclestone’s remarks — advocating they have been a force for good since he signed with them in March.

“I think this year XIX have taken a huge amount of criticism which has been massively unfair and that’s a lot to do with me, my fault really,” Hamilton told SpeedTV.

Hamilton said: “This year I’ve not used the resources that I have to the optimum.

“They’ve been there to help and I’ve not used them when I needed them.

“But I know that moving forward it will be a successful relationship and partnership. I think they’re fantastic.

“I couldn’t be happier with the decision I’ve made because I’ve some incredible people around me and I’m really looking forward to the future.”