Whitmarsh denies Hamilton rumours
April 27th, 2011McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has insisted that Lewis Hamilton will not leave the team when his current deal expires at the end of next season, but revealed that they were in no rush to extend his contract.
Speculation regarding Hamilton’s future has been rife of late, with the 26-year-old linked repeatedly with rival team Red Bull. He added fuel to the fire after suggesting that “loyalty had its limits” a perceived acknowledgment that he would leave the team if McLaren could not deliver him a championship winning car.
Hamilton will remain focused on reeling in Sebastian Vettel after his victory at the Chinese Grand Prix two weeks ago, and will now look for back to back wins when the Turkish Grand Prix gets under way in just over a weeks time.
Those who watch formula 1 live will hope for a contest to match the race in Shanghai, which is being billed as one of the greatest races of modern times ah Hamilton searches to reduce Vettel’s championship lead even further.
Whitmarsh has now moved to quash the rumours that Hamilton could switch to the team he is enjoying a battle with this season, and insisted that Hamilton’s future was with the Woking-based outfit.
“Lewis has a long career ahead of him and I think he’s intelligent enough to realise that the environment he has here is good for him and plays to his strengths,” said the McLaren team boss told the Daily Mail.
“Lewis has made it clear to me he wants to stay in the team and I’ve made it clear to him I want him to stay.” He added.
Whitmarsh also went on to say that there was no rush to sign a new deal, stating that the trust felt between the two parties meant they could take their time.
“At some point, we need to get a contractual agreement that reflects that, of course.”
“But I don’t think – despite the media interest – that either of us thinks we have to get to a contract in three months or six months. I trust him and I think he trusts me.” He commented.
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