THE QUESTION WE'RE ALL ASKING

Well I've asked it anyway. If you haven't, you really should be!

Lewis Hamilton is one of many drivers who aren't completely sure as to where they will be racing next season. However, unlike with some of them, I think we can be sure that Lewis will have a seat, it's just a matter of where. His McLaren contract is still valid for another 14 races but speculation has already begun over whether he will renew said contract. Or whether he should!

Many tabloids have reported that the new deal McLaren will offer Hamilton will make him the best paid driver in Formula 1; things aren't looking too bad for him, are they? The case for him staying at McLaren must include the fact that he's comfortable there. It's an environment he knows well and he has experienced a lot with the team; wins and losses alike. A move to another team would change the dynamic he's used to and, if the move is to another top team, could lead to driver line-ups Lewis may not feel very secure with. If he went to Ferrari he'd be reunited with Fernando Alonso. I can't think either of the pair would be too keen on such a reunion. A Red Bull move would mean he partners Sebastian Vettel. Vettel's relationship with Red Bull is similar to Lewis' with McLaren. Lewis may not feel appreciated in this team and would probably sense a bias towards the German; whether it was there or not. Of course, at either of these teams he would be the 'number 2' driver. This is the position he's in this season but I think he'll beat Jenson Button in the championship this year if he continues with his consistency in the points. The other option is a move to Mercedes. McLaren use Mercedes engines so it wouldn't be a move too alienating for the Brit. He'd partner Nico Rosberg and I don't think he'd feel too threatened by this. Therefore, if he were to move, I'd say Mercedes was his best option!

But why are we even talking of a potential move? The team seem eager to sign another contract with Lewis and he's won a world championship with them. The team haven't won a Constructors' championship since 1998 but that doesn't mean they can't provide Lewis with a car he can win the Drivers' championship with. They've already shown they can... Despite the team's issues during the 2011 season they picked things up towards the end and at the beginning of 2012 looked to be the team to beat. Form has slipped slightly as the races have gone by but this season is ever-changing and it won't be long before they can challenge for a win again.

Lewis has shown the raw pace the MP4-27 has. He is consistently fast in Saturday Qualifying sessions and always seems to be in with a chance of fighting for pole; can Red Bull/Vettel and Ferrari/Alonso say the same? He is fourth in the Drivers' championship at the moment but, as I've already said, things are always changing this season. More consistent results from Hamilton and he could be in the lead again. And his championship woes are seemingly insignificant compared to his teammate's...

Taking everything into consideration, I don't think Lewis should be thinking of moving away from McLaren. He is used to how the team operates and, it seems to me, he has a good relationship with team members and senior personnel. Despite McLaren slipping behind Red Bull in their championship battle, Lewis is still very much in the hunt for his second title. His car is, without doubt, competitive and fast. It will be long before contracts are read, considered and signed so Hamilton can still wait to see how the season plays out and see what other drivers and teams do. He can't move to another team if they've already signed a driver up. But if Lewis did want my advice I'd  tell him to stay with McLaren.

Do you agree with me? Should Lewis leave the team he's been with since he was a youngster for the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes? Or should he stay with a team he knows well and has proven it can win him championships?

Aqsa

P.S. It's my birthday today and if you left me a comment it would be a very nice present indeed!