Formula One driver, Lewis Hamilton, isn't burning any rubber this weekend, but continues to remain in the spotlight. Rumor has it that the British driver is weighing up a move to Mercedes.
F1 pundits feel that a final decision on his future is likely soon. In fact it could be decided before next weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.
It is common knowledge that the McLaren driver's relationship with team boss Ron Dennis hasn't been good from the start.
However, they became more apparent after the Monaco Grand Prix in 2007. Post-race comments made by Hamilton clearly suggested that he had been forced into a supporting role by the team management.
Formula One governing body FIA even initiated an inquiry into the episode to determine whether McLaren had broken rules by enforcing team orders.
McLaren had denied favoring double world champion Fernando Alonso, who is currently with Ferrari. As a result the FIA vindicated the team, stating: "McLaren were able to pursue an optimum team strategy because they had a substantial advantage over all other cars. They did nothing which could be described as interfering with the race result."
However, tensions within the team resurfaced during Hungarian Grand Prix. During the final qualifying session, Hamilton was delayed in the pits by Alonso and as a result was unable to post a final lap time before the session ended.
Eventually the FIA relegated Alonso to sixth place on the starting grid and elevated Hamilton to first. The team had vital constructors championship points deducted.
Since then tensions between him and the team management has been on a perpetual spike even though on surface they may have looked okay.
In fact, there have been unsavory incidents between him and Dennis in the past with Hamilton reported to have sworn at Dennis. British motorsport journal Autosport even claimed that this "(led) Dennis to throw his headphones on the pit wall in disgust".
In such a scenario, Mercedes' offer of making him their undisputed No. 1 driver is music to the ears of the 27-year-old Briton.
What's more Mercedes have even sprinkled their offer with goodies giving Hamilton a chance to directly work with team boss Ross Brawn.
On the other hand, McLaren are in no mood to retain their man, who started his career with Dennis.
It is understood that their offer to extend his contract that expires at the end of the current season in considerably less than his existing £15 million-a-year ($24 million) deal.
In contrast, Mercedes offer is a sizeable £20 million-a-year deal ($32 million) for three years.
