McLaren F1 boss Martin Whitmarsh has stated that signing Lewis Hamilton to a new contract for next season hasn’t been their biggest priority recently.

The British team principle says they have been focused on the winning in the current 2012 season. Whitmarsh didn’t even rule out a new contract not being signed until after the end of the season.

Despite laughing off the constant speculation Whitmarsh must surely be keen to get Lewis signed up and put an end to all the rumours.

Hamilton has been linked with a drive for the Mercedes Benz F1 team for the 2013 season if he fails to strike a deal with McLaren.