McLaren boss relaxed despite Lewis Hamilton exit talk
Team chief Martin Whitmarsh said Friday that McLaren remain completely relaxed about their 2013 drivers' line-up despite ongoing speculation linking Briton Lewis Hamilton with a switch to Mercedes.
Team chief Martin Whitmarsh said Friday that McLaren remain completely relaxed about their 2013 drivers' line-up despite ongoing speculation linking Briton Lewis Hamilton with a switch to Mercedes.
Whitmarsh said he feels calm about talks over a new contract with the 2008 world champion and added that he believed that interest in the issue was more intense in the media than inside the McLaren team.
Hamilton and McLaren are at an advanced stage of negotiations over him remaining with the team, alongside fellow Briton Jenson Button, he has raced for throughout his career.
It has been widely reported, without confirmation, that Mercedes have also made him an offer - possibly to replace Germany's seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, 43, who may retire for a second time at the end of this season.
Whitmarsh said: "It will get resolved when it is, but I don't think it is as big an issue in this team as it possibly is in the media room.
"I don't think it's unsettled the team. We are here trying to go motor racing.
"The media like that sort of speculation, but Lewis and his management have assured me of their intentions. We're focused on working together at the moment.
"This weekend is important for Lewis. He needs to ensure that he gets his championship hunt back on track and I think that's what he wants as well.
"There's going to be all sorts of speculation, but we are really focused on making sure we do a good job here in Monza."
Whitmarsh added that one of his stipulations in a new deal with Hamilton was the 27-year-old Briton's utter and total commitment.
He said: "Ultimately a driver has to drive where he is happy to drive, so the team and I don't want anyone who is not 100 per cent committed to it.
"You can't work like that. I've made that clear from the outset."
He added: "Lots of very positive things have been said to me, but then again, I've learned over the years that until people support that by inking the paper then you don't get too excited about it."