McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh has dispelled claims that his outfit failed to present Lewis Hamilton with a strong financial offer, insisting that the 2008 Champion had the potential to sign a 'very good' contract. Instead, the 27-year-old and his management company XIX Entertainment opted for a three-year deal with Mercedes.
Although the decision will end a long-lasting partnership between McLaren and Hamilton when the new deal becomes active, Whitmarsh was philosophical about the situation and explained that nobody can be blamed for the outcome.
"If the question is 'do I blame 19 (XIX Entertainment)?', then the answer is that I don't," Whitmarsh told Sky Sports News. "Lewis is a great driver but has to make decisions about his life.
"We had lots of talks, went into lots of details and drew up lots of complex contracts. We negotiated lots of details and lots of freedom - it was a very good commercial offer that we made.
"We went a long way to make a good offer to Lewis but ultimately it takes two to get to a signature - and ultimately we clearly didn't agree terms."
Sergio Pérez was revealed alongside Jenson Button for the 2013 season on Friday morning, before Hamilton's switch to Mercedes had been confirmed.
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