Hamilton could leave McLaren
In Melbourne for his first race as world champion, the 24-year-old Briton was quoted as admitting he "would listen" to offers from rival teams.
"It would be a compliment and it would be silly if I did not," said Hamilton, who is expected to struggle to qualify in the upper half of the grid.
The quotes were interpreted as an "admission he could leave" McLaren (the Guardian), that he has "doubts over future" (the Times), and a "hint" that could "alert Ferrari" (the Telegraph).
But he later clarified: "I am happy where I am.
"It (the speculation) doesn't really have any grounds. All I said was that it's quite cool if you find out other teams are interested in you. It's good to know you are wanted.
"I honestly want to see out my career with McLaren. I do feel it's my family, it's where I am right now and it's where I'm happy," Hamilton added.
03/26/09 (GMM) Comments made by Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne have been interpreted by the British media as a sign the reigning world champion might consider leaving McLaren.
While admitting to reporters that even scoring points at Albert Park this weekend will be difficult, the 24-year-old Briton was asked on Thursday if the situation could lead to him shopping around for a better drive.
"I haven't had offers from other teams and I am not talking to anyone but I would listen to an offer if someone asked," he said. "It would be a compliment and it would be silly if I did not."
The quote was interpreted as an "admission he could leave" McLaren (the Guardian), that he has "doubts over future" (the Times), and a "hint" that could "alert Ferrari" (the Telegraph).
Hamilton, however, is under contract until 2012, and he has previously said he never intends to leave the Mercedes-powered team.
But he also admitted to reporters that, unlike last year's '8 out of 10' MP4-23 with which he won the drivers' title, the single seater he will race this weekend scores just a 'four'.
"I honestly don't know (why)," Hamilton admitted. "I think we focused so