McLaren to further limit press’ access to drivers
The Spanish newspaper Diario As revealed that the apparent intensified policy, with both drivers available to print reporters just once per day on Friday and Saturday, is a reaction to the mostly British media's coverage of the 'team orders' saga after Monaco.
The news is, predictably, unlikely to go down well with journalists, who were already complaining in Monte Carlo that team boss Ron Dennis was stifling the press' access to the sensational rookie Hamilton.
Dennis responded: "We're not against the media and we are not trying to protect him from the media. We're (just) trying to give him every opportunity to concentrate on his job.
"Don't see this as some heavy-handed McLaren decision. It's not. It is what he wants and it's the same with Fernando."
Some observers, however, will interpret the stronger media crackdown as McLaren's attempt to simply limit the potential damage done by its drivers speaking too openly or frequently with the press.
It was widely reported, for instance – based on post-race interviews – that 22-year-old Hamilton was 'angry' with his team following the Monaco one-two affair.
Mercedes' Norbert Haug told Bild newspaper: "In formula one, it is often better if you keep your immediate emotions to yourself.
"Lewis was naturally disappointed right after the race, but I have personally clarified the situation with both him and his father."