McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton (R) of Britain talks with Mercedes Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany during a news conference at the Monaco F1 Grand Prix in this May 23, 2012 photo. Hamilton has signed a three-year deal with the Mercedes Formula One team and will replace Schumacher. — Reuters LONDON — An offer from McLaren which would have made Lewis Hamilton the best paid driver in Formula One was still not enough to prevent the Briton joining Mercedes, team boss Martin Whitmarsh said Friday. While no figures have been divulged by either party, British media reports have suggested the 2008 world champion could be in line for a salary of 15 million pounds ($24.29m) a year at Mercedes. Asked whether McLaren had done everything to convince the 27-year-old to stay, Whitmarsh indicated to reporters on a conference call that money was not the main issue. “We didn't agree terms with Lewis' management, therefore, Lewis and his management team have decided to go elsewhere,” he said. “I know we made a very, very big financial offer, bigger than I believe any Formula One driver is enjoying today.” Hamilton will replace seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, while the move catapulted Mexican Sergio Perez into the driving seat at McLaren. “Mercedes-Benz has such an incredible heritage in motorsport, along with a passion for winning which I share,” said the 27-year-old Hamilton. There was no word on Schumacher's future plans, with the 43-year-old former Ferrari ace widely expected to retire for the second time after making a comeback in 2010. “I have had three nice years with the team which unfortunately did not go as well as we all would have wanted on the sporting side,” Schumacher, who could remain with Mercedes in an official capacity, said in a statement. “I wish Lewis well and for the team to achieve the success we worked so hard for in the build-up. I would like to thank the team for their trust and all the guys for their unconditional commitment. I will now concentrate on the next races.” Hamilton has been with McLaren, or backed by McLaren, throughout his career through the junior ranks and into Formula One in 2007 although Mercedes was also the team's partners and co-owners at that point. McLaren has not won a constructors' title since 1998 but has been regular challenger whereas Mercedes has just one win, in China this year, after taking over the title-winning Brawn GP team in 2009. Asked whether he felt Hamilton was making a mistake, Whitmarsh replied: “I wouldn't advise anyone to leave McLaren if they want to win. But I've got to respect Lewis' decision and really wish him well.” Friday's announcement of Hamilton's switch for 2013, on a three-year deal, ended a long-running saga that has obsessed the paddock since the start of the season. Yet Whitmarsh said the breakthrough had happened suddenly in the last few days after Sunday's Singapore Grand Prfix, where the body language from McLaren and Hamilton appeared to indicate he would be staying put. Hamilton's departure breaks up the ‘dream team' of him and 2009 champion Jenson Button, but Whitmarsh said there were some sponsors who wanted a less British feel to the lineup and that had counted against other candidates such as Scottish driver Paul di Resta. “For some of our partners to have a European and a Latin in our team is very appealing,” he said. “You'll never please everyone, of course, but ... clearly we have a broader appeal now.” The sudden breakthrough in the driver market will now put Ferrari into focus, with Brazilian Felipe Massa out of contract and his fate yet to be decided, as well as opening up a vacancy at Sauber. — Reuters
