Bernie Ecclestone claims Lewis Hamilton had made his mind up regarding his future at McLaren, and was “definitely going to move” to Mercedes not matter.
The 27-year-old hasn’t yet made clear his plans for 2013 with both McLaren and Mercedes keen to sign the 2008-champion. However, a recent run of good results which has seen him on pole three times in the last four races, two of which he’s won, may have swayed his decision to leave the Woking team.
“I don’t think Hamilton knows what he will do,” Ecclestone said. “These last couple or three races, he has been doing very well.
“Why he was upset [before that] I don’t know, but he was definitely going to move no matter what,” insisted the 81-year-old.
“He had made up his mind that he was going [to Mercedes]. Whether he has changed now a little bit I don’t know.”
Speculation in the paddock now suggests Hamilton will stay with McLaren on improved terms – though not matching an offer by Mercedes thought to be in the region of £12 million per season, whilst Michael Schumacher will continue for at least another year.
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