London, Jan 31 : Three-time world racing champion Sir Jackie Stewart has warned Lewis Hamilton not to get "intoxicated" with his stardom and passion for music if he is to propel Mercedes to the front.

Stewart believes the British Formula One racer will enjoy far greater freedom at Mercedes than he did at McLaren, who are renowned for making huge demands on their drivers for sponsor and media commitments.

But Stewart said Hamilton could easily be distracted by his "super-cool" life away from the track, reports The Sun. Hamilton''s girlfriend is pop star Nicole Scherzinger, he boasts several top rappers as friends and it has been suggested he is keen to make his own music.

Stewart said had he been Lewis, he wouldn''t have left McLaren. He said one has to be careful and not get carried away with his own importance and celebrity status. According to Stewart, what Lewis needs to do is have more consistently good drives, and he shouldn''t be distracted.

Stewart said Hamilton will be closely watched and appraised by Merc team principal Ross Brawn, who has been used to working with one of the most devoted and methodical drivers of all time, Michael Schumacher.

The pressure is on for both Hamilton and Brawn to deliver, given that Mercedes have scored just one victory in three years. Stewart said Merc''s parent company Daimler is only interested in success. (ANI)