No hurry for Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton says he is in 'no rush' to settle his future and may now wait until the end of the season before making a decision.

Neither Hamilton nor his advisors have yet to even start formal negotiations with McLaren with regard to a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in seven months' time.

That is despite the 27-year-old stating at the beginning of the campaign he would decide on matters "sooner rather than later".

Hamilton also indicated at one stage the first four grands prix - Australia, Malaysia, China and Bahrain - would prove pivotal in his thought process.

The unpredictable nature of the season, however, with a record six different winners from the opening six races in which he has yet to stand on top of the podium, has thrown him a curve ball.

No discussions

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "I haven't even discussed anything.

"I underestimated how difficult the season would be, how busy I would be, and I have also realised how unimportant it is at the moment.

"The championship is more important than what I plan to do, what my next contract will be. My future at the moment is not important - I might not even see next year!

"What's important is making sure I capitalise and maximise on this year."

Asked whether he could potentially make a decision after the season has finished, Hamilton added: "Possibly, yeah."

Focus

Although there is the possibility of seats being available at Ferrari and Red Bull, as it is expected Felipe Massa and Mark Webber will move on, Hamilton said: "I'm not looking at anyone.

"I'm just trying to focus on this season, focus on winning.

"I have other people to worry about those kind of things, and when the time comes they will sit down and say 'What do you want to do?' and I'll give them an answer.

"But I don't have to do that at the moment, and I'm not even thinking about it."

With Hamilton 13 points adrift of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in the drivers' standings at present, and given he definitely has a shot at the title, he maintains any talks now would not prove a distraction.

"I don't think so," said Hamilton. "I could sit down if I wanted to, but I've got a job at the moment and I'm in no rush. I really am in no rush at all.

"There's no need to do it now."