Lewis Hamilton's dad reveals his 'nightmare' when son fired him

London, Mar 11 (ANI): Lewis Hamilton's dad Anthony has revealed that he was "shocked" and "devastated", when his son sacked him as manager.

Anthony, 51, made the revelations about his Formula One ace son, whose glittering career he had nurtured from childhood, in an interview with the Sunday Mirror.

"It was a nightmare. It was like something had died. I was shocked, devastated," Anthony said.

"When he said he no longer wanted me as manager it came completely out of the blue because we hadn't fallen out. I didn't get angry - but I didn't deal with it very well.

"I'd been at his side from his first remote-control car race when he was five. Every week, week-in week-out, I'd put my life into it. That day was a life-changing experience," he added.

The McLaren driver's father had decided to tell his story as his eldest son lands in Australia to prepare for the new Formula One season.

He wants to put the record straight as Lewis, 27, tries to rediscover the glory days he enjoyed with his dad by his side, culminating in his one and only World Drivers Championship in 2008.

One rumour he is determined to put the brakes on for good is that his son's girlfriend, ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, 33, told the smitten lad to grow up and give his dad the elbow.

"I don't believe for one minute she would ever say to Lewis 'fire your father, make your own decisions'.

"I'm sure she would actually encourage him to contact me, not the other way about.

"She is a loving, respectful, very family-orientated individual. We know each other extremely well. She's stayed here several times and had dinner with us. She's got strong bonds with her family and is part of this family," he added.

Now that the dust has settled on the Hamiltons' very public break-up, Anthony looks back on their parting from the point of view of a loving dad rather than a devoted manager.

"Lewis was right to go his own way," he says, gazing out across the back garden of the Hertfordshire family home where his eldest son once played with brother Nic, a cerebral palsy sufferer who is now 20 and also a racing driver.

"Was it right the way it happened? Probably not. If I'd had my way it would have been done differently. But it is what it is.

"And I can honestly say we have both become better people for it. It had to happen at some stage. One would have had to say to the other, 'I'm leaving you'. And??? it wasn't going to be me. I was so focused. I couldn't think about anything except Lewis's career," he said. (ANI)