Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher soon to know their future?

In an interview with Sky Sports, Heikki Kovalainen, whose contract with Caterham ends at the end of the season, felt that it was still too early to question his future in 2013, knowing that, depending on what Lewis [Hamilton] or Michael [Schumacher] will do, it could have a significant impact on what others will do. The fate of the two world champions beyond 2012, within their respective teams, has indeed been causing a lot of speculation for many weeks, and the approach of the now traditional summer break could allow more time for negotiations and lead to quick announcements that could unlock the transfer market.

Thus, during the Fan Forum organized by FOTA, Ross Brawn stated that a decision would be made during the summer regarding the future of Michael Schumacher, who had recently denied such a timeline: « We have not discussed the situation in depth, but we know that it is approaching, and we will soon have to make a decision. » The director of the Mercedes team is aiming to make a decision by August, so they can look for a new driver in case the German leaves: « This year, Michael is having his best year since he’s been with us, and it was frustrating not to have achieved better results on track, but there were either problems with the car or with the way we handled the races. I think that in about six weeks or so, we will have to think about what we want for next year, and that’s the main question. Once that decision is made, we will know if we need to look elsewhere or if we will stay with the drivers we have. »

Sabine Kehm, manager of the Kaiser, however, made it clear to the German press agency DPA that Michael Schumacher and his entourage will not participate in a public debate concerning the timing, context, or preferences of the German for 2013.

Regarding the future of Lewis Hamilton, an announcement was expected earlier in the season, but the few difficulties faced by McLaren—particularly in the pits—and especially Lewis Hamilton’s financial demands seem to have delayed negotiations between the two parties. In an interview with the British Daily Mail, the Stevenage native does not hide that, for the moment, contract negotiations are not his top priority: « I’m sure I could call Simon [Fuller, his manager], and tell him we’re doing it now, but I’m not focused on my contract and haven’t given it enough attention yet. But soon there will be the summer break, I’ll be on vacation, and I could have Simon on the phone. All I’m thinking about this weekend is how I can help McLaren win, how I can make this car better, and how I can get even more from these smart people around me. »

At the beginning of June, Ron Dennis, who had signed Lewis Hamilton before passing the reins of his Formula One team to Martin Whitmarsh, estimated that due to the context, the 2008 world champion would have to lower his financial expectations: « I think I will discuss it with Martin [Whitmarsh] who is, in case some people have forgotten, the boss now. Ron [Dennis] will always be the guy who hired me and I expect him to have a huge impact in the discussions with Simon [Fuller], but I have to respect Martin who is the one making the decision. I haven’t sat down and made a list of everything I want, but probably 95% of this is approved by McLaren. There might be small things like wanting to keep the trophies I’ve won. Ron will never want to let me have them, but that’s fine with me, I’ll have it on the financial side. »

The recent winner of the Canadian Grand Prix knows that his value could increase if he succeeds at the end of the season and that the market situation, with still vacant seats at Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, is currently rather favorable for him. The Briton, who will be aiming for a second victory at Silverstone this weekend, after his 2008 win, acknowledges, however, that leaving McLaren « would be difficult to do »: « Professional athletes change teams. Footballers do it, just like racing drivers. Jenson [Button] has been in numerous teams, for example. That said, it’s different when you’re already with a top team. »