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[myownalias]

Bernie Ecclestone believes that Lewis Hamilton is likely to leave McLaren at the end of this season, either of his own volition or because he is pushed, if he struggles as he did last year.

Hamilton, 27, has entered the final year of his contract with the Woking-based team, whom he has been with since he was 13, and has spoken of his desire to get a new deal signed “after the first few races”, which has led to speculation that he may be waiting to see how good the new car is before committing himself.

But Ecclestone believes McLaren would also be keen to see the back of Hamilton if he has another season of trials and tribulations.

“I think if he doesn’t perform this year he’d be looking maybe to move on and the team may be also looking for him to move on,” said Formula One’s chief executive, adding that he did not believe Hamilton would remain at McLaren his whole career.

Ecclestone last year labelled Hamilton’s association with Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment a “disaster” and he was once again dismissive of the job Fuller is doing for him.

“I spoke to him [Hamilton] the other day,” Ecclestone said. “I think he’s got a bit more focused. I don’t agree people he’s got surrounding him and so-called managing him - I think he doesn’t need that sort of management.”

Asked what he did need, Ecclestone said: “Someone with their feet on the ground.”

Fuller recently subcontracted veteran Formula One manager Didier Coton to accompany Hamilton to races, and Ecclestone said he hoped it would work out.

SRC: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motors ... -move.html

[darwin dali]

A BE AND LH AND McLaren thread - you hit the trifecta with this one MOA!
*moaaaaaan*

[LewEngBridewell]

As usual, I disagree entirely with what Bernie has to say.

[kerc]

As usual, I disagree entirely with what Bernie has to say.

I do agree that XIX has provided crappy management.

[bud]

Knowing Lewis luck he'd leave the team then their car would dominate.

[Hammer278]

I read that article and what I understood from it is Bernie saying Lewis might want to leave if McLaren don't provide the machinery, or if Lewis doesn't perform McLaren would want him to leave.

I think this would apply to all teams/drivers who's contracts run out end of this year?

[Four mules as one]

I think I'll wait 22 more days before I comment on this one............ Oh what the heck, agree with the Hammer, all teams and drivers will want the other one out if if performance is weak. Fuller's management is obviously wrong for Lewis but then last year Lewis was wrong for Lewis. If he has another crap year then I don't see McLaren ditching him. He's still a great marketing driver for the team and honestly I think Lewis at age 31 will be great to watch in an F1 car, alot more dominating with maturity and blindingly fast. A few years down the track I know but if Bernie' s still around he will probably proclaim that he knew all the time Lewis would come good.

I still think Vettel will beat him though in 4 years time

[geetface9]

Hopefully he'll replace massa at FERRARI.

I say again, hopefully Lewis Hamilton will race for Ferrari.

You mad, bros?!

[andrew]

Loyalty doesn't win championship so it makes sense to look for the most competitive team if he's not already in that team. MrE makes sense with what he says.

[LewEngBridewell]

Hopefully he'll replace massa at FERRARI.

I say again, hopefully Lewis Hamilton will race for Ferrari.

You mad, bros?!

Can you imagine that!?!?!?! The glorious re-union with Alonso! Ferrari wouldn't know what hit them

[What's Burning?]

Bernie does like to talk, irregardless of what it is that actually comes out of his mouth.

[Hammer278]

Hopefully he'll replace massa at FERRARI.

I say again, hopefully Lewis Hamilton will race for Ferrari.

You mad, bros?!

[kerc]

Hopefully he'll replace massa at FERRARI.

I say again, hopefully Lewis Hamilton will race for Ferrari.

You mad, bros?!

My son would have a mental breakdown.

[McLaren]

Bernie does like to talk, irregardless of what it is that actually comes out of his mouth.

Exactly ,if he told me snow was white,I would go check incase

Lewis will do better than last year and will stay at McLaren

[racechick]

Bernie likes stirring. And he's a bit of an idiot .