Jordan: Dennis too protective of Hamilton

Hamilton has turned into one of the sport's biggest stars this season after his sensational start to the year - and mentor Dennis has made no secret of the fact that he does not want the media to over hype the youngster.

But Jordan, writing in his exclusive column in the May edition of F1 Racing that is available next week, believes Dennis is going too far in trying to protect Hamilton.

Jordan thinks that McLaren should be embracing the media rather than trying to keep them at arm's length.

"Media interviews, through generating interest for fans and exposure for paying sponsors, are the lifeblood of Formula One," said Jordan.

"So, what was Ron Dennis thinking when he stopped Lewis Hamilton doing interviews on the Melbourne and Sepang grids? Ten other drivers would gladly have done it, and all sponsors would give their right arm for a logo shown in the pre-start minutes.

"And fans certainly wanted to hear F1's new star, live. I don't understand what he was being protected from, and it'll only hurt his profile. Nobody in F1 is too important for 'trivialities' like the media. Let's get this straight: focus on technology and driving all you want, but if nobody's watching, you ain't gonna be at it for long."

Jordan admits that he is in awe of the way Dennis had faith in Hamilton more than a decade ago - but still thinks he should back off in trying to protect the youngster who has finished on the podium in the first three races of the year.

"My compliments to Ron for seeing something remarkable in Lewis 10 years ago, easily five years before I did. He certainly bucked the McLaren trend, putting his rookie in a race seat: that spoke volumes.

"But Lewis is good enough to stay focused. He doesn't need nannying. Ron should have let us have our piece: we're entitled to get to know him."