Hamilton says early races key to his future at McLaren
16 March, 2012
Lewis Hamilton
Mar.16 (GMM) McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has dropped a strong hint about his future beyond 2012, indicating that his decision will depend on how the early season pans out.
Red Bull’s Christian Horner has ruled out the 2008 world champion as Sebastian Vettel’s new teammate, while rumours persist that Mercedes sees Hamilton, 27, as a potential successor to Michael Schumacher.
But the rumours in Melbourne also indicate that Mercedes is almost ready to extend Schumacher’s contract, intensifying talk that Briton Hamilton will similarly stay at McLaren.
He told reporters in Melbourne the first four races of 2012 will be key.
“They will definitely play a role,” said Hamilton.
“My decision will be based on more than just the car. When you make a decision on your future it’s the whole package, it’s various things.
“I’m happy to be here (at McLaren),” he added. “I’ll leave it to my management to take care of the rest.”
With Jenson Button the standout performer at McLaren last year amid Hamilton’s personal problems, the 2008 world champion said his immediate focus is to get back on form.
“It is a great privilege to be here but it is easy to come and go. Let’s hope I can stay here [in F1],” he said.
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So now Lewis is thinking of a possible exit from F1… his decision… if things don’t go to his satisfaction… UUuummm…
I don’t get it, other than trying to save face… His decision, or others, the result would be the same, except I think that if things don’t go well, from his point of view, it must preemptively be the fault of others… soooo nothing has changed in that respect. I already know it is everyone else’s fault in his opinion whenever things don’t go his way.
However, as to rumors he might end up at Mercedes… Seems to me I recall some thinking back when Jenson Button left Brawn, who was being bought by Mercedes, that Jenson felt it was inevitable that the new management would want to place German drivers on their team… which proved to be true! So, rather than get caught out in the cold at a later time, Jenson jumped ship to McLaren for a lot less money but with brighter hopes of an extended career… and that also has happened. Does Lewis really think doing just the opposite of what Jenson did will work in his favor, at all, and if so, for how long? Or, at best would he be used temporarily, and end up replaced by another German under circumstances that even Jenson tried to side step. Well I’m sure Lewis knows best.
So where does Lewis plan to go from F1 if it turns out to be an exit for him? Does he think NASCAR will pay him millions just to start??? Maybe he’s thinking he’s worth more than Danika??? I think I can see his plan now… Personally, I don’t think it’s realistic…….. but I’m sure Lewis doesn’t give a toss what I think, and that’s okay because I’m just brainstorming the possibilities of his usual veiled statements, and unsubstantiated rumors, who I am still trying to figure out who the real sources are. Would someone in the media track them down, instead of simply spreading the rumors???