Coverage of Hamilton 'disturbing', says Dennis

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has slammed as "disturbing" what he sees as the distortion of Lewis Hamilton's private life.

Formula One may have enjoyed its annual holiday prior to the Turkish Grand Prix at the weekend, but McLaren star Hamilton was barely out of the news.

Aside from his fragile relationship with team-mate Fernando Alonso being dissected, Hamilton was photographed with two different women amid suggestions they were his latest love interests.

Hamilton was able to explain away the pictures and accompanying stories, which he concedes "disappointed" him.

The press intrusion, though, now means is he considering quitting the UK and moving abroad, possibly Switzerland or Monaco, which have become favourite retreats for many F1 drivers.

It is the price of fame for the 22-year-old who has caused a stir in his rookie year as he continues to lead the championship with five Grands Prix remaining.

Dennis is convinced Hamilton can handle the hype, but he believes it is unfair to focus so much attention on someone so new to the spotlight.

"I had to laugh over so many things that I was reading. There are so many things that were just ridiculous," remarked Dennis of the coverage on Hamilton.

One story in particular focused on Hamilton's holiday on the Cote d'Azur, with photographs showing him with a girl who it transpires is one of the daughters of Mansour Ojjeh, a principal McLaren shareholder, who was there with her boyfriend.

"I know for a fact that all of the activities Lewis was involved in were him just having fun with Mansour's family," added Dennis.

"That invitation was extended in Monte Carlo because of Lewis' friendship with his kids, just as my daughter is a friend of Lewis'.

"They text each other, they are in the same age group, they are of the same era.

"So he spent some of his time with Mansour having fun, and he spent the rest of the time in Portugal with his family.

"It was a completely normal experience, and to see people superimposed on photographs is a joke.

"Lewis' private life is private, and it is disturbing to see when it is so heavily distorted because that is just not fair.

"But he handles it and that is part of growing up."

Dennis also has other pressing matters on his mind, in particular the upcoming Court of Appeal hearing into the spy saga in Paris on September 13.

McLaren were found guilty of fraudulent conduct at a hearing of the World Motor Sport Council last month, namely being in possession of confidential documents belonging to Ferrari.

However, they were not punished as the council members claimed there was "insufficient evidence" McLaren had used the information to their advantage.

A furious Ferrari attack followed, with FIA president Max Mosley eventually bowing under the weight of pressure and agreeing to an appeal hearing.

It leaves Dennis fearing any title success this season will be tainted should his team fail to be totally cleared of blame.

"We are in F1 to win," insisted Dennis.

"But the most important thing is not just winning, it is how we win. I do not know what twists and turns are going to take place in the Court of Appeal.

"If we do not come out of that with an unblemished reputation then the results of this season will be tainted.

"I know the truth and the truth is that McLaren as a company are not involved in this matter. And I just do not want to find through some process that our reputation is damaged.

"The rumours and spin that I have heard about this matter just leave me amazed.

"I cannot believe that people can construct some inaccurate views based on no fact whatsoever and be quite comfortable to project them into the pack as being true.

"It is ridiculous."