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Trophies important for Hamilton's future

ESPN Staff
July 31, 2012 « Hard tyres at Spa and Monza | Consistency is Mercedes' priority - Brawn »
Lewis Hamilton wants to be able to keep his trophies rather than the team retaining them to display © Press Association
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Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that one crucial point in any future contract talks will surround keeping his race trophies.

With his contract set to run out at the end of this season, Hamilton is yet to commence talks with McLaren over a new deal. He's recently hinted that he expects to stay with the team, but one crucial point of negotiations is set to be whether he can keep the trophies he wins at races rather than handed them over to the team.

"Ron [Dennis] and the team have all the trophies in the cabinet and the drivers get replicas," Hamilton is quoted by the Daily Mail. "In a lot of other teams, the drivers get their original trophies. 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."

Hamilton said that there are no other key clauses or perks that he wants, but admits the next contract is an important one.

"I don't care if they don't give me a car, but 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.

"But I don't feel I have a tough decision to make. 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."

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