London, Sep 29(ANI): McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has said ace driver Lewis Hamilton's decision to join Mercedes in a three-year long deal is a mistake.
"For anyone leaving McLaren, and [Hamilton] wants to win, I think that's a mistake because I have faith and belief in this team. Whether you measure it over the last four races, four years or 40 years, we're a fantastic team," the BBC quoted Whitmarsh, as saying.
"So I would say to any driver who wanted to win in this sport 'come and join McLaren and aspire to join McLaren'. I wouldn't advise anyone to leave McLaren if they want to win, but I've got to respect Lewis's decision and really wish him well," he added.
Hamilton's decision to join Mercedes was announced on Friday and Whitmarsh believes the team, based in Woking, Surrey could not have offered better financial or competitive incentives for the 27-year-old Briton to stay.
"I know we made a very big financial offer, bigger than I believe any Formula 1 driver is enjoying today, other than himself. We were working towards him staying, but we realistically knew there was always a chance he wouldn't," Whitmarsh said.
"He rang me two days ago, from Asia, and I believe I was the first person he told. We had a long conversation, a warm conversation," he added.
Whitmarsh further said: "He rang me again yesterday and we had another long conversation. In the end, for all parties, you need to make a decision and move on. So we had to look at other options." (ANI)
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