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No rush to quash rumours - Whitmarsh

Martin Whitmarsh is in no rush to conclude talks with Lewis Hamilton © Sutton Images

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Martin Whitmarsh says he is not in a rush to end speculation over Lewis Hamilton's future, insisting his win in Monza is proof that it isn't a distraction.

Rumours that Hamilton is poised to join Mercedes filled the paddock in Italy in the build-up to the Italian Grand Prix, but having offered no comment on where he sees his future Hamilton went on to win the race on Sunday. Following that victory Whitmarsh said he would not be seeking a quick resolution to Hamilton's contract talks despite Ron Dennis saying McLaren's position was strengthened by the result.

"My feeling is this is a great team for Lewis to stay in," Whitmarsh said. "He's got to want to stay here and we'll figure that one out after we've had some celebrations ... I think we're focusing at the moment on enjoying the moment, understanding what happened with Jenson [Button], make sure we've got a programme in place for Singapore; those are the really important things and then we'll doubtless have some other conversations in the meanwhile.

"I don't think it's that important [to resolve before Singapore]. Predicting the timing when two get to dance is always dangerous. I think we've proven this weekend there was reasonable attempts to distract and I've got to say they've failed, so I don't think there's any distraction and we've got to carry on trying to win races."

When asked if he had contemplated 2013 without Hamilton, Whitmarsh said: "No, not really.

"I think we're a winning team, I think he's a winning driver; there's a lot of sense in us working together. You've got a finite amount of time and I haven't - I hope - wasted any of that on other matters aside from working together, making a quick car, winning races and winning championships."

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