Formula One: Hamilton not distracted by ‘speculation’

British driver focused on winning title with McLaren.

MUMBAI: Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy at McLaren and believes the Formula One team can deliver success this season but he has yet to make a decision on his future.

The former world champion, whose contract with the British-based outfit expires at the end of this season, acknowledged rumours linking him to the rival Mercedes team, with Michael Schumacher expected to retire at the end of the season. But Hamilton, 27, speaking on a visit to India, spoke warmly about his long relationship with McLaren, with whom he won the 2008 drivers’ championship.

“There have been a lot of speculations and rumours about my possible move to Mercedes but I am very happy with McLaren,” he told The Times of India. “We have a great car and we are in a position to challenge the top teams for the championship. We are definitely in with a chance to win the title this season.”

The Briton, who was in Mumbai for a sponsors’ event ahead of next month’s Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi, said he would not be rushed into deciding on his next step.

“No, I haven’t committed to any team as yet. I don’t have a timeline either. I won my first world championship with McLaren (in 2008) and I am happy with their background, the people and environment there.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s manager Simon Fuller believes the most important thing for Lewis at the moment was to win more world championships, according to Sky Sports. Fuller wants Lewis to be as successful as he possibly can be on the track in order for him to be as successful as he can be off it.

Hamilton currently lies second in the drivers’ championship behind Spain’s Fernando Alonso after victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, his third win this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2012.