F1: No Mercedes Talks With Hamilton, Says Haug

Formula 1

F1: No Mercedes Talks With Hamilton, Says Haug

Mercedes boss Norbert Haug says the team is not courting McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton...

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted March 30, 2012 GMM Newswire

Norbert Haug (Pictured) insists Mercedes isn't trying to lure Lewis Hamilton away from McLaren. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Norbert Haug has dismissed reports linking Lewis Hamilton with a switch to Mercedes for 2013.

With the 2008 World Champion's McLaren contract expiring, speculation had linked Briton Hamilton with the race seat currently occupied by Michael Schumacher.

"I can dismiss that speculation out of hand, as it was only ever conjured by putting two and two together," the German marque's Haug told Sport Bild.

"Lewis was and is a Mercedes man," added the competition director, "but there are no agreements or conversations in that direction.

"At the moment we have one interest only — making our car as fast and reliable as possible, and then we'll see where we stand.

"Only then will we talk to Michael (Schumacher) about a possible extension," said Haug.