Lewis Hamilton has dropped a firm hint that his future at McLaren will depend on it providing him with a title-winning car, amid ongoing speculation about his future in F1.
Hamilton's current deal with McLaren runs out at the end of next year, and a recent switch of management to Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment company has prompted talk that the former World Champion will counter offers for other outfits when the time comes to sort a new deal.
Although Hamilton has pledged his full commitment to McLaren for now, he suggested in China that his "loyalty" to McLaren would have a limit if his current team could not guarantee him a competitive ride.
Speaking to the British media about whether he could see himself staying at McLaren for the rest of his career, Hamilton said: "I don't really envisage anything except winning World Championships. I have only got a short period in Formula 1. I am fortunate enough to be in a top team where I am comfortable but I want to win championships."
When asked if his loyalty had limits, however, he responded: "It definitely does. I have always enjoyed racing here and would like to continue but you also, at the end of the year, have to assess what position you are in and what happened."