Lewis Hamilton is keen to secure his future in the coming weeks, revealing that he is likely to make a decision during the summer break in August as to whether he stays at McLaren or leaves.
The 27-year-old has only ever competed in Formula 1 with the Woking outfit, but his long-term contract comes to an end this season and any decision regarding his future will likely be a key factor in his future success.
However his options remain limited with Red Bull confirming Mark Webber alongside Sebastian Vettel for 2013, whilst Ferrari are an unlikely option which leaves his current team, Mercedes and Lotus. The latter seems content with its pairing of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean though.
In an interview with Russia’s R-Sport, he revealed that he hopes to have an agreement in place before the end of August, and hinted that McLaren was the most likely candidate.
“We haven’t sat down and discussed anything yet but I’m sure over the summer break, when we have the summer break, it would be nice to get something in place,” he said. “That would be a time when we can be more relaxed and make the most sensible decision for the future.
“You have to base your decisions on much, much longer than such a short period of time. Only half a year cannot decide six years of partnership, or actually 13 years of partnership. I’ve been with them since I was 13, so it’s 14 years, so it’s much more than these small details, it’s a much, much bigger picture.
“There are lots of things to take into account. These people have supported me; these are the people that got me into Formula 1. But, you know, I want to win.
“I’m not that young any more so I want to make sure that whatever I do I make the right decision so I can maximize my career, you know. I just need to make sure that I’m winning. That’s what I exist for, that’s what I train and work for every day.”
