F1: Whitmarsh Fends Off Hamilton Questions

Formula 1

F1: Whitmarsh Fends Off Hamilton Questions

Martin Whitmarsh is offering few clues about Lewis Hamilton's plans for 2013...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted September 21, 2012 Marina Bay (SGP)

Martin Whitmarsh is team boss at McLaren. (Photo: Getty Images)

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh deftly fielded any inquiries about the future of Lewis Hamilton in Singapore Friday.

Asked whether the whole affair had been a distraction, Whitmarsh insisted that the team was concentrating on racing.

“I don't think it has been,” said Whitmarsh. “I think over the last three races we've got stronger and more focused. I assume that the distraction you refer to is Lewis, but I think anyone who knows Lewis and witnessed Lewis last weekend and actually also this weekend would say he's very, very focused on doing the job.

“I think he realizes that this year we have a strong opportunity to win a World Championship, and I think we all realize that the right thing to do is focus and improve the car, don't make mistakes and maximize the points you can get from each race. I think that's what we're very much focused on. I know that there are stories and speculation that swirl around, and I guess that's Formula One, and I think we're content to get on with the job quietly.”

Regarding the length of time the negotiations have taken, he said: “I think it seems a long time because of the speculation that people have made, but when you sit down and seriously put your mind to entering into a new contract, it doesn't take too long. I think it's a question of priorities and other things we've been doing."

Asked about suggestions that McLaren has offered less than Hamilton is currently earning, he joked: “I'm sure he will want more money, and I'm sure we will want to pay less — that's how business normally works.”

Pressed on whether he was putting on a brave face at the prospect of losing Hamilton, Whitmarsh again deflected the speculation.

“As I said earlier, it's not a question of putting on a brave face; it's a question of focusing on doing our job, and we're concentrating on this year's championship. I think speculation on next year is something that we don't need to entertain or respond to, so we're focusing on the here and now.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.