McLaren head says Hamilton wrangle to be expected

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says it is natural for the team to be at odds with Lewis Hamilton in prolonged contract negotiations, and adds that both parties can still concentrate on the current campaign.

Hamilton has been linked with a big-money switch to Mercedes for next season, and the English driver's future remains in limbo while his management pushes for a more lucrative McLaren offer.

Whitmarsh says "I am sure he will want more money and I am sure we will want to pay less - that is how the business normally works."

The McLaren head insists that Hamilton remains "very, very focused" on the remainder of the 2012 season as he and the team challenge for the Formula One titles.