Hamilton logs McLaren details before Merc switch

The last stretch of Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren career has not started well, according to The Independent newspaper.

The report cites McLaren insiders in claiming the Briton has taken a "newfound interest" in the technical details of his 2012 McLaren now that he has decided to jump ship to Mercedes next year.

"He’s been very interested in the exhaust system and the telemetry," a team insider is quoted as saying.

And Hamilton told reporters on Thursday that he knows all about McLaren’s plans for the 2013 single seater that he will never drive.

"Trust me, it will be a good car next year, I know," he smiled to his replacement, Sergio Perez, at Suzuka.

"I know exactly what’s going on next year with your car."

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh said he is not worried.

"I think if I was pursuing intellectual property from other teams, I’d probably go for engineers not drivers," he said.

"But I think Lewis is respectful of the team and what it’s doing."