10/09/2007
NEWS STORY
After weeks of playing down the ongoing spy saga, stating on his arrival in Monza that devoid of internet connection he was unaware of the latest developments, World Championship leader Lewis Hamilton is now fearful that the affair could result in him being left out of a job.
Speaking on Sunday, the English youngster revealed his fears to British broadcaster ITV.
"If you sit down and think about it, I could have what I've worked for, and what all the team have worked for, taken away," he said. "And when you really think about that, you think 'Wow, I could be out of a job next weekend, and then what happens?'
"It was going so well," he continued, "and then you just get this big knife that cuts off your blood line. It is a bit disappointing when you read things about it. I won't go into it because I'll get emotional, but I really do have such a great belief in my team. I have 100% confidence in them, so that's why it is easy for me just to relax."
Despite the FIA's assurances, there is a growing feeling that part of the problem, which in addition to the spy saga - which has had more twists and turns than a dime store mystery novel - has seen McLaren at the centre of any number of others 'incidents' this season, is bad blood between the team's boss, Ron Dennis, and FIA President Max Mosley.
Lewis, who has been under Dennis' wing since the age of nine, has nothing but admiration for the Englishman, and is angry at the ordeal his mentor is being put through.
"I never actually thought I'd be sitting here saying I hate something about formula one," said Hamilton. "But the politics and people wanting to be bigger than others is just incredible. I would say to you all that Ron has always been very, very loyal to me, has always given me the opportunity and he has always been such a great man to me."
Referring to the possibility that his team could be excluded from the championship, Hamilton added: "Formula one would not be the same without McLaren, so let's just keep our fingers crossed that nothing else is going to happen.
"It is for him (Dennis) and all the other people that are outside trying to figure out exactly what we need to do to basically keep ourselves here."