Grapevine: Hamilton's move 'a big mistake'

The 22-year-old British driver has decided to move to Switzerland in order to get the kind of anonymity he has been unable to find in the UK following his sensational season in Formula One.

Clifford reckons Hamilton's move is a huge error.

"That is a big mistake," Clifford told PA Sport. "It's the first mistake he's made off the track. Bigger than the ones he's made on it. It hints at 'big-time Charlie', and let's face it, where did he learn his skills, where did he get all his coaching and sponsorship? In this country.

"From a PR perspective, it's a bad move. Saying that you can't go anywhere without people coming up to you - he should be grateful for that. For the last 40 years, I have represented some of the biggest stars in the world. It's not a problem, you can take care of these things very easily.

"He certainly wouldn't have had the level of attention that David Beckham and even people like Simon Cowell get, and they haven't had any problems with it."

Clifford believes the decision will alienate a lot of Hamilton's supporters.

"Genuinely, people are thrilled for his success and really got behind him, and in terms of the media and public he's had nothing but praise and support," Clifford added. "But this is a bad step in the wrong direction and he is going to alienate a lot of people.

"(He is a) young guy, nice guy, modest, unassuming, proud to be British - and in almost one fell swoop, oh dear. That's the sort of reaction you're getting out there. From a PR perspective, it's a very bad move."

He added: "You don't need to live in Switzerland to have a very good tax set-up. There are plenty of people living here who have companies overseas. The fact is most people perceive it is for financial reasons, and that won't endear him."

Clifford was also critical of the timing of the launch of Hamilton's autobiography, My Story, of which the British driver will be signing copies next Monday in London.

"It seems as though he's got time to meet members of the public and get them to sign copies of his book, even though he doesn't want them coming up to him. What a stupid thing to do at this time.

"An autobiography at 22 when you've only been in the public eye for 10 minutes is a bit presumptuous anyway."