Whitmarsh plays Hamilton waiting game
Lewis Hamilton is yet to commit his future to McLaren
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has been given assurances as to Lewis Hamilton's intentions, but knows until a new contract is signed nothing is a done deal.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Italian Grand Prix, Whitmarsh could not escape the gossip dominating the Monza paddock.
"Media like that sort of speculation," said Whitmarsh. "I've been doing this job too long to be surprised by it. It's a fairly incestuous paddock so you tend to know - certainly if you have been around over 20 years - what's going on."
Hamilton has confirmed this week he is in "advanced negotiations" with McLaren, although there is a distinct possibility he may yet move to Mercedes.
Hamilton's management company, XIX Entertainment, are known to be in discussion with the German manufacturing giant, a global brand that would align with XIX owner Simon Fuller's aim of turning the 27-year-old into a world superstar like he did with David Beckham.
The dilemma for Hamilton is whether to join a Mercedes team who have won just once in 50 races since their return to Formula One at the start of 2010, in direct opposition to his own ambitions of being a multiple world champion.
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn is convinced, in conjunction with a major regulation change due in 2014, notably to engines, Mercedes' three-pointed silver star is rising, even though they have gone backwards of late this campaign.
In the opposite corner, his counterpart at McLaren in Whitmarsh is firmly led to believe Hamilton will be re-signing and extending a stay that began when the Briton was 13.
Whitmarsh continued: "Often stories that get circulated are blown out of proportion for entertainment reasons or whatever. The important thing is we don't spend any time, energy or concentration on stuff like that. We just concentrate on doing our job.
"Lewis and his management have assured me of their intentions, we're focused on working together at the moment."
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Mclaren will not have Mercedes engine come next season so by the time they get a replacement and it starts working in their car,that may take one of two season by then Mercedes would have done sufficient test and their car would be up there with the best.
So I would not have any problem with Lewis moving to Mercedes for the right reason and if he stays at Mclaren it would be for the right reason.
Who the hell does Fullers company think they're trying to kid for pity sake! Hamilton isn't going anywhere in 2013 simply because McLaren can give him a car capable of winning a second title for him. Mercedes can't. Beyond 2013 who knows? So all this codswallop over will he won't he is simply an attempt to rack up his salary for next year. Personally I'm fed up with Hamilton and his petulance of late. For my money I'd let him go to Mercedes for megabucks, sign Paul Di Resta as his replacement and let him watch Paul **** all over him next year!
Martin is so two face as he says one thing in public but his main concern is Button because he brought him into the team , he is first at most thing because Lewis was Ron's boy and as Ron no longer there is became hard for Lewis. I am so happy that he is leaving for a more relaxed team who is still building their car and team.
So go with your head in the sky as your aunty would give her blessing whatever decision you come to at the end of the season.
