'Happy' Lewis Hamilton vows not to be rushed over McLaren future

The Formula One driver says he has not set a timeline for deciding on his future as speculation he will join Mercedes next season continues.

McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton insists he is happy at McLaren and has backed the Formula One team to deliver success this season.

But the British driver insists he will not be rushed into making a decision about his future with the team, as speculation continues about his contract status.

The former world champion, whose contract with the British-based outfit expires at the end of the 2012 season, acknowledged rumours linking him to the rival Mercedes team, with Michael Schumacher expected to retire at the end of the season.

But Hamilton, 27, speaking on a visit to India, spoke warmly about his long relationship with McLaren, with whom he won the 2008 drivers' championship.

"There have been a lot of speculations and rumours about my move to Mercedes but I am happy with McLaren," he told reporters.

"We have a great car and we are in a position to challenge the top teams. We are definitely in with a chance to win the championship," Hamilton added.

The Briton, who was in Mumbai for a sponsors' event ahead of next month's Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi, said he would not be rushed into deciding on his next step.

"No, I haven't committed to any team as yet. I don't have a timeline either.

"I won my first world championship with McLaren (in 2008) and I am happy with their background, the people and environment there," Hamilton added.

Hamilton currently lies second in the drivers' championship behind Spain's Fernando Alonso after victory in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, his third win this year.

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