ESPNF1:
McLaren set to offer Lewis Hamilton £100m contract
McLaren is set to offer Lewis Hamilton another five-year contract worth in excess of £100 million, according to reports from Monaco.
A basic salary of £20 million a year would make Hamilton the highest-paid British sportsman in the world before endorsements. Although formal talks have yet to take place, it is thought McLaren, which has always made clear a desire to retain him, is now ready to start the process.
If the new deal comes off then it will ensure that his partnership with Jenson Button continues until at least the end of the 2014 season. Button signed a three-year extension to his existing contract at the end of 2011.
Hamilton, who is the final year of his current deal, did not always appear at ease with the team during what was a difficult 2011 season but he has returned to close to his best form in 2012. "Something has definitely changed this year," he said on Wednesday. "Things are a lot better. Just in life. That's enabling me to get on with my job without having any baggage. I don't have any baggage this year."
Take THAT you conspirators
