The British media is unique.

It has a habit of building someone up, then, when it decides the object of its (temporary) affection has had enough of the spotlight, brings out the knives and cuts its victim down to size. It acts swiftly and without mercy.

Be it politicians, sports stars, football managers or actors... when the British media decides your time is up, your time is well and truly up.

There were times, not that long ago, when people were terrified of witchcraft, and in England alone many thousands of innocents were put to death as fear gripped the nation. The Witch-finder General, Matthew Hopkins, and his like, travelled the countryside seeking out witches, putting them on trial for their 'crimes'.

The 'trials' consisted of all manner of 'trials by ordeal', which included 'trial by water'; whereby the accused was placed in a river, if innocent they would sink, whereas if they were guilty they would float.

In a bizarre turnaround, another 'trial by water', saw the accused thrown into a river with a millstone around their neck. The innocent would be supported on the surface of the water, courtesy of a divine miracle, while the guilty would sink.

While we may scoff at these barbaric tests, as a sign of the ignorance of the times, trial by media is with us today, and it is far less forgiving, for anyone can fall victim, and the pursuit of the accused is remorseless.

At present the British media is, for the most part, bringing its love affair with Jenson Button to a rapid close, even his most ardent supporters in the broadsheets are slowly becoming disillusioned.

Instead it has found a new star, a new hope... Lewis Hamilton.

Hardly a day goes by without at least one British newspaper singing the praises of the youngster who is currently destroying the opposition in GP2.

Lewis is clearly a rare talent, however, when being courted by the British media he should be very, very wary, for as quickly as it is given to issuing its unstinting praise, it is just as likely to take it away, like a spoiled child snatching back a sweet or toy.

The moment it is announced that Lewis is to move up to F1, the media will get to work, searching wardrobes for the merest hint of a skeleton. The poor boy, thus far unsullied by life in the fast lane, only has to look sullen after a session, ask for time before giving a quote, and the media will be upon him. Should he buy a fast car, find an attractive girlfriend or - horror of horrors - consider moving abroad to escape the grasping resident of number eleven Downing Street, the backlash will begin.

Therefore enjoy it Lewis, enjoy the attention while it lasts… for once they decided your time is up, you will see the true nature of the beast.