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From Times Online

November 5, 2007

Lewis Hamilton will have no say on Fernando Alonso successor

Times Online and Agencies

Lewis Hamilton will not be asked by McLaren officials for input into who will be Fernando Alonso's replacement as his team-mate next season.

Hamilton, who finished second in the Formula One drivers' championship this year, suggested Nico Rosberg, Adrian Sutil or Heikki Kovalainen as possible contenders last week but his team will make the decision without the advice of the 22-year-old.

"It's a team decision and nothing to do with me," Hamilton said, speaking at the launch of his book, My Story, today. "I don't need to get involved. I'm going to keep quiet, I've got my job and that's great - I get to drive my car, I have my own seat. The car will be built around me and whoever joins."

Alonso had an acrimonious year at McLaren, with suggestions of favouritism towards Hamilton, and it was agreed the Spaniard would be released from his contract.

"I just wish him all the best wherever he goes I look forward to competing with him again in the coming years and, for sure, we'll be competing for many years to come," Hamilton added.

The youngster from Stevenage might have been world champion if Williams and BMW Sauber were disqualified, but Hamilton has already said he does not want to win on a technicality. McLaren's appeal over alleged fuel irregularities at the Brazilian Grand Prix will be heard on November 15.

"I'm very busy right now so I'm not thinking about it," he said. "The season is over, the book is my summary of the season and I'm looking forward to getting back in the car in a couple of weeks to prepare for next year."

Hamilton looked set to secure the championship in his rookie year before he hit problems in the final race of the year, in Brazil, but he is determined to go one better next time around.

"I wouldn't say it's given me more inspiration - it gives you more confidence to know that you can do it," he added. "With a little bit more hard work and the same dedication and commitment from me and the people around me, it's possible.

"I'm just as determined, if not more, to do it next year."

Hamilton,what a race in Brazil!! Do you understand what you did pommy!!, You still have a lot to learn. Fernando is too bloody good for you.

jlp27, BARNA, World chamion home

Dear Bill,

perhaps you'd better have a look at the official F1 website table of results for the drivers championship 2007.

http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/

Hamilton is officially 2nd.

GO GO GO McLaren ! and whoever you've got in the cars!!

Dave, Buckie, UK

Bill, Mr Editor is right. Lewis was second (runner up) and not joint second because although he and Alonso had the same points, he had more second places so was thus made runner up. Check the F1 official site for the final rankings to clarify this!

Jo, London,

The question is not if Lewis Hamilton will have his say, the question is, which upcoming talented driver wants to throw his career in the balance and drive for a team who is due to pay the highest ever fine in sports. A team meaning nothing before the arrival of two- times world champion Alonso. A team 'sacking' a two- times in a row world champion. A team abandoned by four-time world champion Alain Prost , the present world champion Kimmi Raikonen . Moreover, will their 2008 car pass the FIA 2008, Ferrari intellectual property test ?

John H, London,

lets make things clear.Alonso wanted to leave mclaren.And there is a secret trade between alonso and ron for sure.U can leave us for free.And you please dont tell more things about inside problems of mclaren.And all happy.
Whats the point of this rookie called hamilton?.Now he wrote a biography...so funny...what he won?.I should say that Mikel schumi should have tons of biography`s now."So good rookie?","the future?",you really think H. will win next year?.
I think for sure that mc laren will miss Alonso.His experience and as one of the best drivers on championship.There are other good drivers as massa,raiko,....
You should think more on what person are you puttin your hopes after see this year how much faults he can do also if he have all the favours to win.Too much hopes can end on tears...
soon we will know it.He is a good driver (hamilton) but too much overestimated.He is not so good but he have a good car... Lets see what will happen

zero, Asturias, Spain

Actually, Lewis Hamilton did finish sole second on countback. While they recorded an equal number of wins Hamilton had more second places.

Chris, Ramsgate, Kent

Mr Editor lets have it right. He (Lewis Hamilton) was joint second not actually having sole position of second.

Please ensure your facts are correct before publishing ...

Bill, Cleckheaton, W.Yorkshire

"I don't need to get involved. I'm going to keep quiet..."

Please explain. Lewis is never quiet. He'll make excellent talk show fodder.

Michel Angstadt, Serranillos del Valle, (Madrid) Spain

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Lewis Hamilton will have no say on Fernando Alonso successor