Stirling Moss believes Lewis Hamilton has been tainted for life after playing a part in misleading stewards.

The 24-year-old Briton was excluded from classification at the Australian Grand Prix after it was determined he and McLaren's sporting director, Dave Ryan, had deliberately lied to officials about an overtaking controversy while the safety car was on track.

Hamilton made an emotional public apology on Friday but Moss, who was famous for his good sportsmanship during an illustrious career, fears the damage to his reputation may be irreparable.

"I am afraid that to some extent Lewis will be required to carry this with him for the rest of his life," Moss told the Mail on Sunday.

"Being remorseful is the best thing that Lewis could do, but he can't change what's happened. It's not as though he can claim he has been misquoted. I can't see that there can be any excuse for how he behaved in front of the stewards.

"People remember these sort of things, don't they? I am saddened, shocked, disappointed and disheartened."

Hamilton has been a sensation since bursting on to the scene just over two years ago, and narrowly failed to become the first rookie world champion before taking the crown in his second season.

"What disturbs me is that Lewis is one of the best drivers in the world and I always looked on him as a great role model," Moss added.

"But now people are looking at him in another light. He's been seen to tell a lie - and that appals me.

"I am absolutely staggered, frankly. It's not the way I work and I wouldn't have thought it was the way Lewis would work. It's just such a great shame."

(reopens) However, Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone dismissed any suggestion that Hamilton was in danger of losing public goodwill.

"I don't think in any shape or form (Hamilton will suffer long-term damage to his reputation)," he told BBC1.

"He was put in a position where it looked as though he was telling a lie. But I don't think he went to see the stewards with that intention."