Ross Brawn, heavily involved in the genesis of that car, remained with the
team when it became Mercedes in 2010 and it is understood they indicated to
Hamilton they are confident of making a major step forward when the rule
change arrives.
But McLaren are themselves powered by Mercedes engines and, as a result,
Whitmarsh does not believe Hamilton will be expecting to have a major
performance advantage in 2014.
He said: “Lewis knows that we are strong team if you measure us over the
short, medium or long-term.
“We have got a long-standing partnership with Mercedes. If you look at our
track record since we have had this relationship with Mercedes, in terms of
race wins, podiums etc, we have been pretty successful.
“We enjoy great relationships with them both in Stuttgart, Brackley and
Brixworth. I don’t think that is material in this particular issue.”
Hamilton now heads into the final six races of his McLaren career, starting
with Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, 52 points adrift of Ferrari’s
Fernando Alonso in the drivers’ championship.
Despite Hamilton’s retirement in Singapore with a gearbox problem, hopes
remain high he can secure a second title as McLaren currently have the edge
on rivals Red Bull and Ferrari.
And Whitmarsh insists McLaren will not be holding back on any new parts or
upgrades they can provide the 2008 world champion, despite his impending
departure.
“Lewis is a McLaren driver, he will be the recipient of the development items
that we have for this year’s car,” said Whitmarsh.
“He will have every single development for instance in Japan and beyond, every
race he’ll expect things to his car and we’ll be open with him on that and
he’ll understand it.
“In that regard, he will be involved in the development at the race circuit,
although clearly he won’t be involved in the development of next year’s car.”