Hounded Hamilton may leave Britain

By Alan Baldwin

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton says he may have to leave Britain if he is to lead a normal life.

The 22-year-old McLaren driver told British Sunday newspaper reporters at the Turkish Grand Prix that the attention of paparazzi photographers could drive him to seek sanctuary overseas.

"I'm definitely contemplating living outside the UK," said the rookie, who has taken the glamour sport by storm this season.

"I've always dreamt of living in London but it's becoming more and more difficult. Every time I go to London, cameras appear from God knows where."

"I can see from the experience of Fernando what can happen," continued Hamilton, referring to his Spanish double world champion team mate and rival Fernando Alonso who lives in Switzerland.

"He's so big in Spain, he can't stay there because he can't go anywhere and live a normal life. I thought that wouldn't be the case in the UK."

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and retired seven times world champion Michael Schumacher also live in Switzerland while Monaco has long been a favourite with grand prix drivers.

"When I was working my way up to Formula One, I was only thinking about getting a drive for a great team and racing," Hamilton said.