Lewis 'not fussed' if Alonso stays

Updated 10.59 Tue Oct 30 2007

Keywords: sport, Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Formula One

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he is "not fussed" if Fernando Alonso remains his team-mate at McLaren next season.

There is much speculation over Alonso's future just a year into his McLaren contract as relations with Hamilton as well as team boss Ron Dennis over the 'spy' saga, which saw the team fined almost £50 million, have appeared to sour.

"I don't really know if he's going to be my team-mate next year. I'm not really too bothered" - Lewis Hamilton

The Spaniard has been linked with a possible return to Renault, the team with which he won back-to-back World Drivers' and Constructors' Championship titles in 2005 and 2006.

And when asked about his team-mate's future, Hamilton replied: "I don't really know if he's going to be my team-mate next year. I'm not really too bothered. If he is, then great, we'll fight for another year. I'm really not fussed either way."

Hamilton, who is relocating to Switzerland to avoid the unbearable intrusion into his private life, has insisted that he and Alonso get on well.

The 22-year-old from Stevenage added: "We get on as well as any two people working together. I'm not saying we sit down and we're best friends and he calls me up and wants to come to the house."

Hamilton, who missed out on becoming Formula One's first rookie world champion by a point as Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen claimed his maiden title with victory in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, has insisted he did not show Alonso any disrespect.

He said: "You think I should have let him win? I always showed respect but I'm not going to sit back. I want to be the best."