01/08/2012
NEWS STORY
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Ahead of negotiations regarding his seat in 2013, Lewis Hamilton has warned that one stipulation in a new contract would see him keeping his trophies.
Whilst many teams allow their drivers to keep their trophies - some of the more recent examples no serious person would surely want to give house room - traditionally McLaren keep them and give the driver a replica. However, salary, image rights and personal endorsements issues aside, Hamilton has warned McLaren that if a new deal is to be agreed he must be allowed to keep his original trophies.
"In a lot of other teams, the drivers get their original trophies," he said following Sunday's win at the Hungaroring. "As a racing driver, what you work for and what you want to take home are two things; one is your crash helmet and the other is your trophy. For me, they are priceless.
"Those two things are what you put your blood and sweat into, and they keep those at the moment. So whatever contract I'm having next, that is going to be a push point."
With talks expected to begin over the summer break, Ron Dennis having already suggested that money will be the key issue, though, like Hamilton, he is equally hard-headed when it comes to blood, sweat and tradition, many believe the 2008 world champion will stay put, there being no other serious offers on the table at present.
"I don't feel I have a tough decision to make," insists Hamilton. "It is my career I'm talking about however... the last part of my professional life. It's the first time I've been in this position, so I guess it still remains an important decision."