Dad says no to Hamilton charity challenge

By Alan Baldwin

SILVERSTONE (Reuters) - Formula One title contender Lewis Hamilton was overruled by his father on Thursday after agreeing to test his fitness against rival driver Jenson Button in a charity triathlon.

In what may go down as another public relations own-goal for the 23-year-old McLaren driver, Hamilton senior turned party-pooper after his son had declared himself up for the challenge during a high-spirited British Grand Prix news conference.

"Lewis accepted the challenge like the good sport he is and in the spirit with which he accepts things," Anthony Hamilton said in a statement.

"But unfortunately for Lewis we are withdrawing him from this.

"We are in the middle of a championship and that is the focus of our attention."

Button had earlier challenged Hamilton to join him in a triathlon on July 27 after the McLaren driver claimed this week that he was the fitter of the two and was willing to prove it.

"What if I say 10,000 pounds ($19,860) to the charity of your choice if you beat me?," the Honda driver said after some good-natured banter between the two.

"Are you trying to steer me off this championship or what?," Hamilton countered.