Hamilton has faith in McLaren’s decision

Lewis Hamilton said he will welcome with open arms whoever McLaren decides to hire as his teammate. He also mentioned that he will work harder than ever to beat them.

« I really have no complaints, » the runner-up told Reuters on Monday during the launch of Lewis Hamilton, My Story, a book describing his dizzying beginnings in F1.

« It’s another decision for the team, and they will, I’m sure, do what seems best for them. I’m very happy, I have my place. I’m lucky to stay and do what I love to do. »

Hamilton, who finished the 2007 season tied on points with double world champion Fernando Alonso, will be the undisputed leader of the McLaren team in 2008 after the announcement of the Spaniard’s departure was made.

« I wish the best regarding Fernando’s future and I hope for him that he succeeds wherever he may be. But I will be there to compete against him and I look forward to this battle, » said Hamilton.

I am delighted about this upcoming arrival among us and I look forward to the new challenge that an arrival represents. I hope he will work as hard as I do so that the team can clinch the constructors’ title, he added regarding the replacement.

« I will work as hard, if not harder, than I did this year to ensure that the best is yet to come. »

Hamilton spoke about Nico Rosberg (Williams), Adrian Sutil (Spyker), and Heikki Kovalainen (Renault) as candidates likely to join him.

However, all three are under contract and Rosberg is relatively inexperienced.

« To be on the team, and it’s the same in football or cricket, you must be able to work all together and ensure that teamwork is as beneficial as possible, » he continued.

« The one who joins the team will simply have to maintain the momentum we have generated this season. »

« If you look at football, there are young football teams… the new generation is very present in this field. For us, there are many young and talented drivers, » he said.

Hamilton had been supported by McLaren for about ten years before his entry into F1. He claims he will be even closer to the team next year.

McLaren Mercedes has always been my team. I came here this year and I felt like I was part of the team, stated Hamilton.

« This is my team, I am with them, the car, I want to drive it and I know very precisely what I want. I feel like I’m part of the family. »

« I hope that next year will be even more exciting. I am already very eager for the 2008 season to begin, » concluded Hamilton.