Haug ‘happy’ Hamilton wants to stay

(GMM) McLaren-Mercedes official Norbert Haug on Wednesday said he is "happy" that race driver Lewis Hamilton never wants to switch to another formula one team.

Hamilton, the 23-year-old Briton who earlier inked a contract to stay with the Woking based squad until at least the end of 2012, said last week he plans to "drive for McLaren my entire career" because the team feels like a "big family".

It is estimated his retainer will average more than $27 million per year throughout the current five-year deal.

Haug, who is the motor sport president for McLaren's engine and equity partner Mercedes-Benz, told the German news agency SID: "(Hamilton's comments) make me very happy. It is the same — we want to keep Lewis with us."