McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh says he is certain that Lewis Hamilton wants to stay with the team for the long-term, and vice-versa.
Whitmarsh doesn’t believe the persistent rumours that the 26-year-old is looking to ‘jump ship’ once his contract expires at the end of the 2012 season, despite comments which suggested so.
“Lewis has a long career ahead of him and I think he’s intelligent enough to realise that the environment he has here is good for him and plays to his strengths,” Whitmarsh is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“Lewis has made it clear to me he wants to stay in the team and I’ve made it clear to him I want him to stay.”
The 54-year-old, in his third year as team principal, says there isn’t a need to rush into a new contract, but admitted something would need to be drawn up to reflect the desire to keep him for years to come.
“At some point, we need to get a contractual agreement that reflects that, of course. But I don’t think, despite the media interest, that either of us thinks we have to get to a contract in three months or six months. I trust him and I think he trusts me.”
McLaren’s desire to win and the fact that F1 is why they exist, unlike some of their rivals, is massive draw for a driver, added Whitmarsh.
“We are focused on winning the championship this year, next year, in five years and 10 years’ time, as motor-racing is our core business. Ferrari can also say that with some credibility.
“But a lot of other teams are selling consumer goods, cars or high-caffeine drinks. I’m not criticising them. But can they say, consequently, that they are in Formula One for the long run?”
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