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F1

Unsettled Hamilton to open talks with McLaren next month

The former world champion is worried about the team’s competitiveness,

McLAREN’S LEWIS HAMILTON will wait until the August break to decide his Formula One future.

The Briton’s future has been the subject of much speculation since the start of the season, with his 15-year association with the team growing more doubtful by the day.

Hamilton, who rose through McLaren’s youth ranks to become a world champion, has become increasingly restless and told Russian media outlet R-Sport he needed to keep winning.

“There are lots of things to take into account. These people (McLaren) have supported me; these are the people that got me into Formula 1,” Hamilton said.

“But, you know, I want to win. I’m not that young any more so I want to make sure that whatever I do I make the right decision so I can maximise my career.

“I just need to make sure that I’m winning.”

Speaking at a street demonstration in Moscow at the weekend, the 27-year-old insisted his decision would be based on what opportunity would give him the best chance to win races in 2013 and beyond.

“We haven’t sat down and discussed anything yet but I’m sure over the summer break, when we have the summer break it would be nice to get something in place,” Hamilton said.

“That would be a time when we can be more relaxed and make the most sensible decision for the future.”

But with Red Bull’s Mark Webber signing on for 2013, Mercedes, Ferrari and Lotus appear the only viable options for Hamilton should any of those teams have a driver vacancy.

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