The father of former F1 champion Lewis Hamilton was yesterday accused of 'irreparable breach' of his contract with Scots driver Paul Di Resta at the High Court.

Anthony Hamilton, 57, is suing his former protege, who races for Force India, after Di Resta dumped him as manager in mid-2012.

But Di Resta, 27, has alleged Mr Hamilton misled him over a multi-million pound sponsorship deal with soft drinks manufacturer Go Fast, prompting the pair's unceremonious split.

Yesterday, Charles Hollander QC, for the Hamilton Management Group, made brief opening remarks.

"In this action, Hamilton Management Group claim damages and a breach of management agreement by Formula 1 driver Paul Di Resta, based on the repudiation of an agreement beginning in May, 2012," he said.

Paul Downs QC, for Mr Di Resta, said: "Mr Hamilton was in such serious breach - irreparable breach as my learned friend put it - that that brought the contract to an end."

Lewis Hamilton has endured a fractious relationship with his father, sacking him as manager in 2010. Their relationship has since improved.

Mr Hamilton is seeking damages for wrongful termination of contract and loss of earnings. He is expected to give evidence today.