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Monday, June 13, 2011

Hamilton to Red Bull rumours denied

A spokesman for Lewis Hamilton has denied rumours talks were held over the weekend regarding a potential move to Red Bull.
Hamilton's future has been the source of considerable debate this season, with speculation gathering momentum in light of the year he is currently enduring.
With another year remaining on his current McLaren contract after this one, it has often been suggested Hamilton could move to Red Bull or Ferrari from 2013 onwards.
Fuel has been added to the fire in light of Hamilton meeting with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in the marque's paddock buildings at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Saturday.
It is understood the two men held a 15-minute conversation, which has sparked supposition that Hamilton is eyeing up a move.
However, speaking to Press Association Sport, a spokesman for XIX Entertainment that represents Hamilton, said: "Neither Lewis nor his management team have had any discussions with regard to Lewis moving to another team.
"He is happy at McLaren, and is positive he can still have a say in this year's world championship."
The suggestion Hamilton would sit with Horner in a building right next door to McLaren's plot in the close confines of the Montreal paddock and discuss his future would appear ludicrous.
The F1 paddock is, without a doubt, a haven of gossip, especially when it comes to the destination of one of the sport's top drivers such as Hamilton, and therefore the last place to conduct talks.
It would also be Machiavellian of Hamilton to do so right under the noses of his current team, with whom he has not ruled out signing a new deal.
Throw in the factor the 2013 campaign is poised to herald a major change in the regulations that could alter the current balance of power, and Hamilton would be foolish to commit himself to anyone right now.
Of course, the current whispers only add to his cause as and when the right time comes to negotiating a new contract with McLaren.
Hamilton to Red Bull rumours deniedBut then McLaren already know they have in their possession one of the sport's most gifted drivers who could walk into any team.
At present, if his performances in the last two grands prix are anything to go by, then Hamilton does appear distracted.
The Briton has been involved in four separate crashes, with two in Monaco with Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Williams' Pastor Maldonado, then a further two in yesterday's Canadian Grand Prix.
After tagging and spinning Red Bull's Mark Webber, Hamilton retired on lap eight of the rain-hit race after running into team-mate Jenson Button, who went on to claim a remarkable victory.
Hamilton has since admitted the incident was his fault, that he was "in the wrong place at the wrong time."
He also knows times are tough right now, but the tide will also turn.
"You know what, I think you make your own luck," Hamilton told BBC Radio 5 Live's podcast.
"I feel very blessed to be here still in F1, fit, healthy and alive and still racing. There are many, many drivers that wish they could be in our position.
"Of course, you could always hope for things to be better, but good times do come to those who wait. So I'll just bide my time and hope that at some stage it will be mine."
It is frustration that is almost certainly gnawing away at Hamilton as he believes he is the sport's best, that he should have won more titles and races by now.
Instead, he finds himself overshadowed by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, and hence the gossip surrounding a potential move.
Former McLaren driver John Watson told talksport: "Hamilton is very frustrated. I don't think he's in a good place in himself at the minute.
"He thought he could go to Canada and challenge Red Bull, but he ended up fifth on the grid and, to me, he's being driven by frustration, not by his race brain.
"Hamilton needs to sit down and think about what he's doing and try to get his season back on track.
"He thinks he's the quickest guy in a grand prix car, and he probably is, and that he should win every race and every world championship.
"And it's that frustration that's driving him into making these judgements that are getting him into trouble."

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