There has been all kinds of speculation about Lewis Hamilton's decision to sign for Mercedes. Is it not possible that, underneath it all, he just wanted a change after so long in one relationship? He came into F1 with a competitive car and has ever since been part of a well-oiled machine.

It is part of human nature to see the grass greener on the other side of the fence. Hand on heart, few of us have not experienced that, even if we have done no more about it than to wonder.

The pretty wife, the talented kids, the nice home, a delicious meal on the table when we come home, but yet...

By all accounts, the basic salary was not the issue. Both sides were offering a lottery win every month for three years. There do appear to be side-issues, however. One reason for McLaren's success has been Ron Dennis's attention to detail, but this can also be tiresome.

When the McLaren F1 supercar was being shown to potential buyers, Goodwood House and the Goodwood Motor Circuit were used. That is how I was able to hitch a ride in one. Of course the cars were presented immaculately, but after every test run someone was employed to wipe the inside of the exhaust pipes. You read it right, it was the inside.

Ron controls every aspect of the operation. At the end of each season, everyone hands in their team clothing and it becomes a bonfire that Ron personally lights. Trophies all go to the McLaren Technical Centre, there is a corridor about 60 yards long and on either side there are trophy cases, three deep. You cannot fail to be awestruck, it is part of McLaren's presentation.

McLaren does not permit personal sponsorship deals. The main sponsors keep healthy the bank accounts of all contracted drivers. Sheer cash cannot be the issue, but restrictions can irritate.

We now know that Niki Lauda spoke with Hamilton. Niki was pivotal in taking Ferrari from the doldrums back to the top. People often forget how often Ferrari has not been among the top two or three teams. Niki secured his place in history by turning Ferrari around. His later stints with Brabham and McLaren confirmed his skill as a driver, but have never been considered as being as remarkable as his years with Ferrari.

Some have speculated that Mercedes could offer Lewis a distinct advantage if the 1.6-litre turbo F1 comes into play. So far as I am aware, McLaren has a long-term agreement with Mercedes-Benz for the supply of engines. For the Mercedes F1 team to have an engine advantage would mean that M-B would have to provide inferior units to customers.

The way engines are made today would make that difficult and, besides, it would offend the very philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. Anyone who has had intimate dealings with the company will dismiss the idea.