According to Bernie Ecclestone, Hamilton had decided to leave McLaren
Even if he doesn't know whether Lewis Hamilton has changed his mind since, Bernie Ecclestone confirms that the Briton decided a few weeks ago to leave McLaren, and indicates that Michael Schumacher has also not yet made his decision for 2013.
In Singapore, Lewis Hamilton refused to comment on the speculations surrounding his future while Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren team principal, continually asserted that the entire team was focused on the end-of-season goal of winning the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
Rumors started a few weeks ago after Eddie Jordan, a consultant for the BBC, stated: « Hamilton and Mercedes have already agreed on the terms and a deal could be imminent… » The Irishman was particularly relying on the confidences of Bernie Ecclestone, who regretted that Michael Schumacher « leaves us without having won, because he is a winner ».
However, today, the chief financial officer of Formula One corrects the interpretation made by Eddie Jordan of his statements: « I said I would hate to lose Schumacher. I was asked if I would miss Schumacher and I answered yes. He doesn’t know if he is leaving. I spoke to him and he told me that in all honesty he hasn’t decided yet and he would let me know, » can be read on ESPNF1.com.
However, the Briton confirms that Lewis Hamilton did indeed decide a few weeks ago to leave McLaren, even though he admits he doesn’t know if the native of Stevenage has changed his mind since: « I don’t think Hamilton knows what he’s going to do. These last two or three races, he’s been in great shape. Before that, I don’t know why he was upset, but he was definitely set on changing teams, no matter what. He had made his decision. I don’t know if he’s changed his mind a bit now. »
Be that as it may, Martin Brundle, consultant for the BBC, shared on social media: « I’ve been told that Hamilton’s situation should be resolved in the coming days. »
