Hamilton coy on F1 future
September 06, 2012 16:34:15 UK
Lewis Hamilton has been driving for McLaren since 2007 when he broke onto the F1 scene.McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has refused to rule out joining Mercedes after this season but insists he hasn't made his mind up as to who he will be driving for in 2013.
Reports on Wednesday indicated Hamilton was on the verge of leaving McLaren, with the BBC's F1 analyst Eddie Jordan stating he had agreed in principle a deal with Mercedes.
With Michael Schumacher set to retire for the second time at the end of the year there should be a spare seat with the German team.
With Hamilton's current deal at McLaren set to expire at the end of 2012 he would be available to leave the team he has driven for for his entire Formula 1 career and step into another car.
Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn has insisted he is someway off deciding who will feature in his line-up next season, suggesting Michael Schumacher may not call it quits despite speculation to the contrary.
However, Hamilton's responses to questions regarding his future has cast further doubt over his future at McLaren as the 27-year-old refused to clarify his plans for next year.
Asked if he knew which team he would be with in 2013, the Brit said: "No."
"I want to win. Just need to think of the right place to do so.
"I don't have a deadline (for a decision). Obviously before next season would be useful. I'm in a great position and I just need to focus on the preparations for these races."
Hamilton will be keen to put talk of his future to the back of his mind as he looks to bounce back from crashing out at Spa last weekend with a victory in Monza on Sunday.
Hamilton is 1.66 to win in Italy this weekend, with team mate Jenson Button 3.75 and Drivers' Championship leader Fernando Alonso 10.00.
Hamilton currently trails Alonso by 47 points in the overall standings and is 8889.00 to win his second world championship.
View all Formula 1 betting