Spy saga may distract McLaren, says Hill

Although the FIA has drawn a line under the spy controversy, the legal investigation in Italy is continuing and fresh evidence surrounding the case is due to be examined by police in the near future.

And Hill thinks that, with the matter still not having been completely settled, McLaren will find the situation a continued distraction.

Speaking to The Times, Hill, said: "I would love to think that it would simply be a matter of straight competition this season, but you have to take account of the background issues.

"That's what I feel and I'm not alone. A lot of people feel that about this sport and I think it needs to be cleared up."

And, claiming that he felt McLaren had been 'singled out' by the FIA over the matter, he added: "My heart sinks a little bit when you talk about the championship this year.

"I am aware, and a lot of people are aware, that there is a great deal of pressure on McLaren and that affects their ability to compete. It affected their ability to compete last year and it affected their championship result."

Despite his feelings about the pressures on McLaren, however, Hill believes that Lewis Hamilton will be a stronger driver in 2008.

"At the beginning of the season last year, Lewis was not really sure how it would play out, whereas this year he will go into the season knowing that he can run at the front and win Grands Prix," Hill said.

"The flip side of that is he has created very high expectations and anything less and he's a loser. It's a case of 'welcome to the sharp end - in this game there is only one winner'. But he knows that. Lewis is tough and I think he won't disappoint us."