Hamilton 'loved' at McLaren - SkySports

Not for the first time this season, the aftermath of Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix centred on Hamilton after his collision with Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

His driving style, personal conduct and apparent lack of direction have all come under the spotlight, with Lewis' father Anthony fanning the flames by accusing his management company, XIX Entertainment, of failing to adequately support the 26-year-old in his hours of need.

For only the second time this year, XIX did not have someone present at a race, although on this occasion it was understood to be on Hamilton's advice.

XIX have declined to comment on Anthony's remarks. Instead, Whitmarsh has once again been forced to throw a protective blanket around Hamilton, who has incurred five drive-through penalties this season for his misdemeanours.

The latest came at the Marina Bay Street Circuit where Hamilton drove into the right-rear tyre of Massa's car, causing an instant puncture and damaging his own front wing.

Given it was the fourth incident between the duo this season, it incurred Massa's wrath as they later clashed in the pen where post-race TV and radio interviews are conducted.

"I think at various times in motor racing things just don't go your way, and you have these kind of runs. None of us are perfect."
Martin Whitmarsh Quotes of the week

Restraint

Whitmarsh has already suggested Massa was "slightly aggressive" in his approach, and has applauded Hamilton for showing "commendable restraint" in not retaliating.

As for Hamilton cutting a lonely figure at times, Whitmarsh said: "Lewis is having plenty of love from the team.

"I've known him since he was 11 and I've seen him go through great moments of elation, of achievement, also of disappointment.

"Naturally there is a big affinity between him, myself and various other members in this team."

Whitmarsh does, however, concede the current campaign "has not been a good one for Lewis Hamilton", who finds himself now definitively out of the title running, trailing Sebastian Vettel by 151 points.

The number of incidents he has been involved in have not helped, with Massa suggesting if he does not alter his ways he will never be world champion again.

Naturally, Whitmarsh disagrees with the Brazilian, although he does concede more needs to be done on both sides to help Hamilton.

"Various things have happened - the team can take some blame and Lewis can take some blame," added Whitmarsh.

"I think at various times in motor racing things just don't go your way, and you have these kind of runs. None of us are perfect.

"The team has made mistakes, we'll make more mistakes. We don't want to, but that's life.

"We're pretty open and honest about these things. We don't conceal them, which allows people to take a view on it and amplify it.

"So as a team we have to improve, and Lewis also has to improve as a race driver.

"Lewis is still a young guy, he is learning, he'll learn from all of these things, but Felipe is wrong because Lewis will win races, and I'm sure he is going to win more championships."

Superb

Controversies both on and off the track in Singapore overshadowed a superb comeback drive from Hamilton, who fell to 19th after three pit stops in the first 15 laps - for tyres, a new wing and the drive-through - to finish fifth.

The argument is, though, he should not have been in that position in the first place, but Whitmarsh at least gave him some credit.

"Lots of drivers who fall back that far at that stage of the race would likely give up," said Whitmarsh.

"But he showed great character, skill and decisiveness, with some fantastic overtaking, to come through and score valuable points.

"The test of a true character is to come through adversity, and Lewis will do that.

"He is a great driver, he will regroup and try to win over the next five races. I'm sure we will see some absolute classic drives."

Hamilton kept his head down after his post-race confrontation with Massa and did not speak until posting a message on Twitter.

It read: "Thanks 2 the fans this weekend, the support was incredible. Still got 5 races 2 go and I will give it my all until the end of the season!"