Hamilton pledges no title distractions

(GETTY IMAGES)

Lewis Hamilton has promised McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh his search for a new manager will not be a distraction in his quest to become Formula One world champion once more.

Whitmarsh expressed concern at the weekend that Hamilton could lose focus this season if he allowed matters in his private life to affect his racing. The British driver has been without a manager since splitting from his father Anthony just before the start of the season.

Whitmarsh is worried some of the leading international figures in F1 will attempt to attract Hamilton and turn his head at a time when he is chasing a second world title. "For me the championship is the key, so all focus has to go on that," Hamilton said. "I don't believe there should be a point in the year when I'm distracted.

"If I feel trying to search for a manager and working on something is going to distract me from winning the championship then I'll can it."