Hamilton is yet to extend Mercedes contract beyond 2018
Friday 9 February 2018 13:25, UK
Lewis Hamilton would be welcomed back to McLaren with open arms, team boss Zak Brown has admitted.
Hamilton, who debuted in F1 with the team a decade ago, left McLaren in 2012 for Mercedes, with whom he has won three world titles to add to the 2008 championship he claimed when driving for McLaren.
But the reigning world champion has yet to agree a new deal with the Silver Arrows and his present deal expires at the end of the year.
"Lewis has history here," Brown told reporters. "He is an unbelievable driver. There isn't a team in the pit lane that would not be interested in having Lewis drive for them, us included.
"If anyone got Lewis, it would be great for the team."
While Mercedes remain confident Hamilton will sign a new deal, the Daily Mail suggests 'the delay is being monitored' by McLaren.
Mercedes still expect new Hamilton deal
"Lewis has become such an important pillar within the team that it is a no-brainer that we continue with each other," Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said last month. "The discussions are ongoing and very positive. It is just a matter of time before we seal it and put a signature to the document."
Hamilton previously drove alongside Fernando Alonso at McLaren during a 2007 campaign which threatened to rip McLaren asunder. But Brown is adamant the pair's past history would not prevent Alonso and Hamilton becoming team-mates again.
"I think Fernando would race anybody,' said Brown. "I have never had a single conversation with him about anything other than himself."
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