Sparkling Lewis Hamilton starts out on the road to redemption

We have found out over the last few weeks. He could not deal with failure, of sporting judgment or performance deficit, without his world crashing in.

But he appeared to walk out of the wreckage. 'I'm definitely tougher as a result, as a driver and as a person,' he said. 'It's just takes time to analyse what's gone on and then be able to grow from it. You can't just move on.'

At his side throughout the turmoil has been Anthony, sometimes a brooding presence, not least of late, but loyalty to his boy personified.

Observers have asked whether it would be better for the Hamiltons to ween themselves apart, for a management agency or media adviser to take control.

Along the watchtower: Hamilton speeds past a relaxed group of sunbathers in Monaco, during an impressive practice session

That, so the theory runs, would take the emotional heat out of the equation and allow Lewis space to grow out of his father's shadow.

The idea has been considered - and rejected. Hamilton Jnr paid a handsome tribute to his remarkable dad, the man who pulled his family up from a Stevenage council estate to the highest echelon of sport.

He said: 'Me and my dad have a fantastic relationship and the recent problems haven't affected that at all. If anything it has been strengthened. He is my backbone.

'He's been at every race since I was eight years old. He has always supported me and backed me up. He's never failed me.'

Back on Hamilton's face was the sense of enjoyment that he derives uniquely from driving on the edge. He had pushed his car close to the barriers and over the kerbs throughout the two 90-minute sessions yesterday, finished ahead of championship leader Jenson Button in each.

'There is something special about Monaco,' Hamilton beamed. 'Today's been very encouraging.'

Luck and the low-speed corners which suit his McLaren could even propel him on to the podium. A top-six finish is probable.

But wherever he finishes here, the journey which will count most, the one he seemingly started in earnest, was that along the road to redemption.

 

Ferrari will meet with their fellow teams on Friday on board Renault boss Flavio Briatore's boat, Force Blue, to discuss their counter-plans to the FIA's �40m budget cap for next season.

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