Italian Grand Prix 2012: Lewis Hamilton undecided over future

Lewis Hamilton admits his future is still up in the air, amid intense speculation linking the McLaren driver with a switch to Mercedes.

The 27-year-old, whose McLaren deal expires at the end of this season, has been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in the days following Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Asked if he knew which team he would be with in 2013, Hamilton said: “No. I want to win. I just need to think of the right place to do so.”

McLaren claim they are in “advanced negotiations” with Hamilton over a new deal but insisted the team’s focus is purely on this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

“We are in advanced stages of negotiations with Lewis Hamilton over a new contract and until that’s completed, there’s nothing definitive to say,” said McLaren sporting director Sam Michael.

“From the point of distraction, it doesn’t happen. We’re here [in Monza], Lewis is here and we’re prepared. He wants to win the Italian Grand Prix and we’re all geared up to do that.

“It’s very independent of his contractual negotiations because these can go on for weeks and months anyway. Our focus is on the Grand Prix.”

Mercedes, meanwhile, were unwilling to comment on the reports linking the British driver to the team.

A spokesperson said: “Until we are in a position to confirm our full driver lineup for next season, it is inevitable there will be speculation around this topic.

“We would ask for your understanding, however, that we do not comment on speculation.”

Hamilton is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings, 47 points behind leader Fernando Alonso and a place above McLaren team-mate Jenson Button.

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