Lewis Hamilton "closer" to new McLaren deal

Managing director Jonathon Neale has revealed that Lewis Hamilton is close to signing a new contract with McLaren.

The 2008 world champion's future with the British team has been in doubt following inconsistent showings from the constructors during the 2012 season.

He has been linked with moves to both Red Bull and Mercedes, but Neale has insisted that both McLaren and Hamilton are keen to extend their partnership.

When asked if a new deal was what both Hamilton and McLaren wanted, Neale told Sky Sports News: "Very much so. We are closer and of course we are in dialogue.

"For obvious reasons I can't speculate more at the moment. We are working very hard to find a common ground."

Hamilton is currently 47 points behind Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in the drivers' standings with nine races left.