Dennis: Hamilton to prove critics wrong

Hamilton's promotion to a McLaren race seat in 2007 has been widely supported, but some onlookers believe that the youngster has been promoted too quickly - and that could hurt his career.

David Coulthard was widely quoted recently as saying that Hamilton could have his confidence badly hurt by going up against Fernando Alonso in his rookie season.

But Dennis believes such criticisms are misplaced - and that he has absolutely no doubts Hamilton will do everything expected of him in 2007.

"Lewis is the future," said Dennis, who saw Hamilton collect autosport.com's Rookie of the Year trophy at the Autosport Awards. "He will be given every opportunity to blossom in the team.

"And he has earned the position. A lot of what he is and who he is, is the result of his family. They are responsible for his superb character. The role of McLaren has been supportive. And that is not just me, but many of my colleagues.

"I think that the armchair enthusiasts and some certain others who have been talking recently will be eating their words next year."

Coulthard was asked about his Hamilton comments at the Awards - and although trying to distance himself from his original statement, he still remained adamant that experience was important in F1.

"I think some of my comments were mis-interpreted," said Coulthard. "I am a big fan of Lewis. I watched him grow up and he is a great talent - but great talent needs time to mature.

"You know the joke about the two bulls at the top of the field. The young one says, 'let's run down to the bottom and make love to a cow.' But the older one replies, 'No, let's walk down and make love to them all!' Experience has its place."

Dennis remains convinced, however, that he has done the right thing in promoting Hamilton - and he is keen to keep a lid on the expectations surrounding the young Briton.

"I think Lewis was a better option than many that we had. Perhaps controversially I think there are a lot of guys in F1 that lack the commitment that being a top athlete requires. I would rather see us have a driver with that commitment, than a driver who doesn't give 100 percent.

"But I don't think it is right to put Lewis on a pedestal. When he makes the inevitable mistakes, most of the media will relish knocking him off. We will keep the pedestal as low as possible.

"I am convinced the investment will be well rewarded. He is a nice chap, and he has earned everything we have given him."