Dennis says his prot�g� Hamilton is one of the "good guys"

Former team owner Eddie Jordan told the BBC last week that the McLaren driver, 22, would need a "hard edge" and to be "supremely arrogant" to win the title.

But Dennis said: "There are drivers who are prepared to do anything to win. They've been in Formula One and left, but Lewis isn't one of them.

"People relate to the fact that good guys can win."

Dennis added: "For us, he is not just a great racing driver snapping at the heels of a double world champion, but he is also - along with Fernando Alonso - a great human being.

"These guys are fun to have in the team, with the popularity of Lewis very much about living the dream."

I don't know if I particularly believe that 'win at all costs' is the way forward F1 rookie Lewis Hamilton

Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix comes a year after Ferrari's seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, now retired, caused a furore after blocking his rivals in final qualifying to secure pole position in Monaco.

The German, Formula One's most successful driver, was subsequently demoted to the back of the grid.

Dennis has already criticised Formula One's "rash of so-called experts" for their character assessment of Hamilton.

The driver himself has dismissed suggestions he may not be ruthless enough to become world champion.

"I don't know if I particularly believe that 'win at all costs' is the way forward," said the rookie.

Hamilton is two points clear of Alonso in the standings and is the youngest championship leader in the history of F1 after finishing his four races on the podium.