Mystery brunette who's cutting in on Lewis's girlfriend

It's not just on the track that Formula 1 sensation Lewis Hamilton is a fast operator.

Since roaring to prominence in his first season with the McLaren team, the 22-year-old Briton has been seen with a succession of attractive women.

The latest, a leggy brunette, joined him on board a yacht off St Tropez and it was clear that the couple are keen on each other.

All of which will be a disappointment for Jodia Ma, his girlfriend for the last four years, who only days ago announced that they were still an item.

Hamilton, who is tipped to make a fortune of at least £100million, is currently a guest on board the multi-million-pound yacht of Mansour Ojjeh, an executive for McLaren sponsor Tag Heuer watches.

He and the as-yet-unidentified brunette spent an afternoon dancing at a fashionable beach bar before dining alone together.

They were also photographed playing in the sea.

At one point Hamilton slung the woman over his shoulder and leapt off the back of a small speedboat they had borrowed from Mr Ojjeh's yacht.

Moments later they cuddled up together in the surf and later walked arm-in-arm along the beach at sunset.

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French connection: Lewis takes a dip with his mystery companion

Hamilton met Jodia, from Hong Kong, when they were students at art college in Hertfordshire.

He became the world's number one go-karter in 2001, and when he stepped up to the British Formula Renault Championship in 2003, she watched every race.

However, since his instant Formula 1 success, he has appeared to have little time for her.

Last month he was spotted with pop singer Natasha Bedingfield in the back of a taxi, and he was also recently linked in one report to the glamour model and Celebrity Big reject Danielle Lloyd.

In January, Jodia returned to Hong Kong where she works as a restaurant reception manager.

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But she flew back to London last month to be by Hamilton'ss side after he survived a 175mph crash and announced that they were still a couple, adding: "I'm flattered people take such an interest in us."

For his debut season, Hamilton receives an annual salary from McLaren of just £340,000 but is expected to earn more than £10million in endorsements alone this year.

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Going: Lewis takes the plunge

Making a splash: The Formula One star hits the water

And if he becomes world champion, he can write his own pay cheque.

So far this season he has had an unprecedented three wins, four second places and three thirds.