Hamilton managing fine with Daddy cool

While the royal relationship has stood the test of time, the question is can Hamilton Snr continue to run Lewis's affairs now his son is a global figure tipped to become Britain's first billionaire sportsman?

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Shouldn't a giant firm like IMG, who manage Tiger Woods, be brought in with expertise that outstrips that of a former British Rail clerk? Don't you need legal, media and financial advice from experienced professionals when you are a global phenomenon?

His son's verdict is clear. 'My dad has morals,' said Lewis on Thursday, ahead of Sunday's storm threatened Malaysian Grand Prix.

'He does things for the right reasons, rather than for money or to better himself. I have no doubts he is the best manager there is. You should see him in action — he's very, very good.'

At times, McLaren boss Ron Dennis has been annoyed by the pushy parent. Formula One has little regard for interlopers and that's how many viewed the wilful, driven, focused Hamilton Snr.

However, you can't argue with his achievements since he originally took on three jobs, including putting up 'For Sale' signs on houses, to support his boy's early career.

He has steered him to Formula One via the McLaren Young Driver Programme and recently negotiated him a five-year deal worth an estimated £75million. Not bad for a guy who is learning as he goes along.

'When I started to get noticed, we approached a few managers to get an idea of how they would look after us,' revealed Hamilton Jnr.

'At one point, I had to ask him: "Dad, do you still want to do this? Don't feel bad if you don't. Let's just work hard to find someone to take over".

'But he loves doing this. He loves being busy. I'm very happy and fortunate he's stuck by me.

'The reason I'm so successful is because of the way my dad brought me up. He's been there for me.'

Yes, there is still deep mutual respect, but the balance of power is shifting. Lewis is no longer the wide-eyed young karter being instilled with discipline by his career-orientated dad. He has moved to Switzerland, is earning millions and making his own life.

The knack for Hamilton Snr is to know when to be there for Lewis and when to make himself scarce.

He was at their hotel for lunch the other day, offering companionship when his boy, now 23, put down his guitar to venture out of his suite in Kuala Lumpur.

Yet if he was present at the humid paddock in Sepang 24 hours later, he was keeping the lowest of profiles.

It is a symbiotic relationship. Father is listened to when he tells son to buckle down rather than let fame interfere with his winter preparations, yet son politely tells father not to interfere when an interview goes down an unwelcome line of questioning.

'I would say our relationship is more relaxed than it was,' added Hamilton Jnr. 'Now that I'm getting older, the respect between us has grown. There was friction between us at times in the past, just because he wanted the best for me. I guess it's harder than in other working relationships because there's more emotion involved.

'Now, when he arrives here, he just keeps himself to himself. If there is anything that he might spot from an outsider's point of view, he will correct me. That's what you need. Guidance. It's the perfect guidance.'