Hamilton left out of team-mate decision
Lewis Hamilton will not be asked by McLaren officials for input into who will be Fernando Alonso’s replacement as his team-mate next season.
Hamilton, who finished second in the Formula One drivers’ championship this year, suggested Nico Rosberg, Adrian Sutil or Heikki Kovalainen as possible contenders last week but his team will make the decision without the advice of the 22-year-old.
“It’s a team decision and nothing to do with me,” Hamilton said.
“I don’t need to get involved.
“I’m going to keep quiet, I’ve got my job and that’s great – I get to drive my car, I have my own seat. The car will be built around me and whoever joins.”
Alonso had an acrimonious year at McLaren, with suggestions of favouritism towards Hamilton, and it was agreed the Spaniard would be released from his contract.
Hamilton has released his autobiography, ’My Story’, but insists it was not written to reveal any tensions between himself and his former team-mate.
“I just wish him all the best wherever he goes I look forward to competing with him again in the coming years and, for sure, we’ll be competing for many years to come,” Hamilton added.
Hamilton also added he will not be adding a final paragraph after November 15, when McLaren’s appeal over alleged fuel irregularities at the Brazilian Grand Prix will be heard.
Hamilton might have been world champion if Williams and BMW Sauber were disqualified, but Hamilton has already said he does not want to win on a technicality.
“I’m very busy right now so I’m not thinking about it,” he said.
“The season is over, the book is my summary of the season and I’m looking forward to getting back in the car in a couple of weeks to prepare for next year.”
Hamilton looked set to secure the championship in his rookie year before he hit problems in the final race of the year, in Brazil, but he is determined to go one better next time around.
“I wouldn’t say it’s given me more inspiration – it gives you more confidence to know that you can do it,” he added.
“With a little bit more hard work and the same dedication and commitment from me and the people around me, it’s possible.
“I’m just as determined, if not more, to do it next year.”
The youngster from Stevenage also outlined his reasons for writing a book and is keen not to cause controversy in a similar fashion to recent sporting autobiographies.
“It has been an amazing experience,” he said.
“It’s not an autobiography or biography, it’s just a bit of a story to where I got to where I am, the early stages of my life and this year. It’s been a huge rollercoaster for me.
“It comes from my heart, it’s not set out to hurt anyone – it’s set out to hopefully inspire young kids or anyone to see what they want to do and go for.”
