Apr.18 (GMM) As feared by his McLaren team, Lewis Hamilton’s first appearance for the media in Shanghai only sparked new controversy
Observers of the press huddle in China said the reigning world champion seemed guarded and uncomfortable, and at least two newspapers described his answer about his future at McLaren as “coy”
The Times said Hamilton’s less than 4-minute press meeting showed his “hostile” side
Twice asked to confirm that he will commit fully to his long-term contract, the Briton said only that he is “happy where I am”
“A simple ‘yes’ would have taken the heat off him,” former McLaren driver David Coulthard told the BBC
The Daily Telegraph said Hamilton had given a “lukewarm response”
“He was clearly still disenchanted with life in formula one,” the Daily Mail said
The newspaper said Hamilton’s answer about his future was “conspicuously non-committal and terse from a driver who has traditionally claimed that he wished to remain with the team for life”
Hamilton also said he was “surprised” but “not disappointed” about Ron Dennis’ decision to step down completely
“I was surprised as I hadn’t heard about it. But I am not going to fight it,” The Sun quotes him as saying
