1996 World champion argues 'background issues' will have an influence.

Damon Hill has predicted that Lewis Hamilton's bid to become Formula 1 world champion this season could be seriously compromised by the spy row.

While the FIA has declared the matter closed, following a public apology from McLaren at the end of last year, the legal probe into the into the espionage row is still very much alive and last week the homes of team principal Ron Dennis and other leading members of the Woking-based outfit were visited by Surrey Police and Italian investigators as part of the ongoing inquiries.

Hill believes that this will continue to distract McLaren and in doing so help give Ferrari and its two drivers - Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa - a bit of an edge in 2008.

"My heart sinks a little bit when you talk about the championship this year," Hill told British newspaper The Times.

"I am aware, and a lot of people are aware, that there is a great deal of pressure on McLaren and that affects their ability to compete.

"It affected their ability to compete last year - and it affected their championship result.

"I would love to think that it would simply be a matter of straight competition this season, but you have to take account of the background issues. That's what I feel and I'm not alone.

"A lot of people feel that about this sport and I think it needs to be cleared up."

Despite though, Damon has a lot of faith in Lewis and reckons the youngster will be stronger now he has got his debut season under his belt.

"At the beginning of the season last year, Lewis was not really sure how it would play out, whereas this year he will go into the season knowing that he can run at the front and win grands prix. The flip side of that is he has created very high expectations and anything less and he's a loser.

"It's a case of 'welcome to the sharp end - in this game there is only one winner'. But he knows that. Lewis is tough and I think he won't disappoint us," Hill summed-up.