Whitmarsh deflects Hamilton questions

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh deftly fielded any enquiries about the future of Lewis Hamilton when he met the media in Singapore today.

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 realises that this year we have a strong opportunity to win a World Championship and I think we all realise that the right thing to do is focus and improve the car, don’t make mistakes and maximise 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 negations 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.”