Formula One news

Hamilton clear to go for title - McLaren

McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh says Lewis Hamilton is clear to fight for the F1 drivers' crown this season as the rookie drew level on points with Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen - the trio tied at the head of the table with 22 points. 

"At the moment there are three co-leaders so they're all championship contenders," Whitmarsh said. "We wouldn't have puit Lewis in the car unless we thought that he was going to be a real contender this year."

"We don't want to put any additional pressure on him though," he added. "He's dealing with it all amazingly and he'll want to win the next race in Spain. He will win raes this year and there's no reason he can't challenge for the championship."

Whitmarsh went on to say that Fernando Alonso should not be forgotten. "Fernando is a great competitor and he is also very much a contender for the title again this year."

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