McLaren team boss is convinced Lewis Hamilton will drive for his team for may years.
Despite the recent rumours the 2008 world champion is unhappy with the team, Martin Whitmarsh said in the Daily Mail: "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. 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."
McLaren team boss says: "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. 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."
Lewis Hamilton has won the Chinese grand prix and what was looked set to be a torrid year with the MP4-26 turned around du to a huge effort by the McLaren team.
Martin Whitmarsh adds: "Our car for this year didn’t have any pace or suggest that it could even finish a grand prix, never mind win the third race of the championship. 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?"
The Briton concludes: "As I walked out of the Shanghai circuit, I felt proud of this team. Red Bull are strong, but we beat them and we will beat them again this year."
Despite the recent rumours the 2008 world champion is unhappy with the team, Martin Whitmarsh said in the Daily Mail: "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. 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."
McLaren team boss says: "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. 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."
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| Photo: McLaren |
Lewis Hamilton has won the Chinese grand prix and what was looked set to be a torrid year with the MP4-26 turned around du to a huge effort by the McLaren team.
Martin Whitmarsh adds: "Our car for this year didn’t have any pace or suggest that it could even finish a grand prix, never mind win the third race of the championship. 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?"
The Briton concludes: "As I walked out of the Shanghai circuit, I felt proud of this team. Red Bull are strong, but we beat them and we will beat them again this year."