But Hamilton tells motorsport great and good to keep their noses out
MCLAREN’S Lewis Hamilton has hit out at feverish speculation over his future, telling a host of motorsport’s biggest names to keep their opinions to themselves.
Williams veteran Rubens Barrichello believes Hamilton should seek a more competitive team, while former champions Nigel Mansell and Jacques Villeneuve have urged him to stick with the outfit that groomed him.
But he said: “I find it kind of funny. I’m not sure if anybody really cares what certain people are talking about – or their opinions. I think if you have an opinion, keep it to yourself.”
Hamilton denied reports he held talks about a move to rivals Red Bull and insisted he would not allow the gossip to distract him from this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
“I don’t have any plans and I’m not in a thinking process about the future, I’m pretty comfortable in my contract,” added the 26-year-old, whose deal expires in 18 months but has a clause allowing him to leave this year.
“The most important thing is to focus on the season. It’s far, far too early to be thinking of anything else.”
Red Bull remain his most likely suitors but team boss Christian Horner played down a move, questioning the feasibility of him driving alongside another big beast in Sebastian Vettel.
“It’s difficult to envisage a driver of Sebastian’s calibre and that of Lewis under the same roof,” said Horner.
“Lewis is a wonderful driver, and you can understand why he might want to drive a Red Bull – it’s obvious. But would it be the best thing for us? We have severe reservations.”