Hamilton rumours ’out of proportion’ - Whitmarsh

The Monza paddock is wall-to-wall with rumours about Lewis Hamilton’s future, but McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh on Friday insisted he remains calm.

"Media like that sort of speculation," he said, amid suggestions the British team’s 2008 world champion could be about to jump ship to Mercedes, replacing the great Michael Schumacher.

Whitmarsh said the reality behind McLaren’s grey and glass doors is relaxed.

"Often stories that get circulated are blown out of proportion for entertainment reasons or whatever," he insisted.

When the Mercedes story broke, McLaren and Hamilton’s management XIX Entertainment both issued statements to the effect that their 2013 talks are still on track.

"Lewis and his management have assured me of their intentions, we’re focused on working together at the moment," Whitmarsh explained.

But another reality is that, on Thursday, Hamilton declared a defiant "No" when asked if he knows what colours he will be wearing in 2013.

Whitmarsh admits he cannot be totally sure what is going to happen.

"Ultimately a driver has to drive where he is happy to drive. I’ve made it clear from the outset," he said.

"Now lots of very positive things have been said to me. But there again, I’ve learned over the years that until people support that by inking the paper then you don’t get too excited about it."