McLaren dismisses claim that Lewis Hamilton is to return to Woking in 2015 as partnership with Honda is revived.

A report this morning says that the Briton will return next year after he "visited the Woking base three weeks ago to sign for the team starting from next season".

"Lewis was in the Woking factory three weeks ago," the site quotes a source as saying. "He arrived by helicopter, had a conversation about two hours with the management and then left with a big smile on his face. He signed here, I can assure you. A seat fitting has not happened yet, but that will take place in the foreseeable future."

Contacted by Pitpass, a McLaren spokesman said: "This report is utterly without foundation, which is hardly surprising given the ultra-unreliable website on which it has appeared [F1Today.net]. As Ron Dennis said in Suzuka, McLaren has finalised no contracts with any drivers for 2015."

Speaking at the weekend, Niki Lauda said a deal with Hamilton has already been agreed - though not publicly confirmed - the Austrian admitting that he would like to extend it.

In a sensational move Red Bull announced on Saturday morning that Sebastian Vettel is to leave the team at season end, team boss Christian Horner claiming that the German is heading to Ferrari.

With no official word from the Italian team on Vettel, or indeed Fernando Alonso, who is rumoured to have been told last Thursday that he is free to go, the paddock (and ether) is awash with speculation. Some more reasonable than other.

Chris Balfe

LATEST NEWS

more news >

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

Click to go to the main galleries section

READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Old Man, 10/10/2014 16:58

"Notwithstanding this denial, I think Hamilton may return to McLaren but ONLY IF Nico wins the championship. In fact, I think Vettel and Alonso's future depends on whether Hamilton leaves Mercedes for McLaren and that's why Alonso hasn't officially confirmed he is leaving and Vettel hasn't said where he is going. Although it could be otherwise, I think if Hamilton returns to McLaren, Alonso will take his seat at Mercedes and Vettel will take Alonso's seat at Ferrari but if he remains at Mercedes it MAY be Vettel and not Alonso who is headed to McLaren."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

2. Posted by nonickname, 09/10/2014 15:37

"Who cares, at this moment Ferrari needs a second coming...not a driver who has been totally obliterated by his very young team mate.They are back where they live, too many Italians and not enough brains. Perhaps their new partners will move them all to Le mans......."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

3. Posted by ESTMPRFT, 09/10/2014 12:21

"Does it occur to anyone that Vettel going to Ferrari (if that's where he goes) doesn't leave Alonso out in the cold? If there are 3 car teams, Ferrari would be one, and Vettel/Raik/Alonso would each have a seat. Or, Raik could leave. It's all speculation at this point..."

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

4. Posted by soeren8660, 08/10/2014 17:40

"Vettel has not overplayed anything he's going to ferrari he's Young. Alonso, old man, made a huge mistake, now stranding i nomansland. Hamilton, I think, has signed a contract for 2016, then the car(MP4-31)Will be ready to fight for the Championship. "

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

5. Posted by miss d'it, 08/10/2014 17:28

"Hmmmm

Anybody else think that Alonso has decided to stay at ferrari, and leave Vettel with no seat ?

Worth a punt !!!?"

Rating: Neutral (0) Rate comment: Positive | NegativeReport this comment

Hamilton to McLaren claim "utterly without foundation"

LATEST NEWS

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

POST A COMMENT

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

Share this page