’Business’ side crucial for new contract - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that his management team at Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment are now negotiating the terms of his 2013 contract.

With McLaren figures insisting a new deal with the 2008 world champion is close at hand, team boss Martin Whitmarsh said on Thursday the impasse "will be resolved in fairly short order".

"We’ll know in due course and when we’ve got something to say we’ll make that statement," he added.

Hamilton, 27, entered F1 six years ago with McLaren, having also enjoyed the marque’s support in his junior career.

But according to speculation, his managers are now arguing with the Woking based team about money and other business-related issues.

Asked at Spa Francorchamps if - in his heart - he wants to stay at McLaren, he told reporters on Thursday: "Yeah, but this is a business.

"I always wear my heart on my sleeve but of course you have to be business-minded as well.

"The guys that are paid to do their job are discussing that and working on getting that resolved," said Hamilton.