Lewis Hamilton refuses to be drawn on possible Mercedes deal as Sergio Perez heads list of McLaren replacements

Hamilton holds the key to the silliest of silly seasons in many a year. Should he respond to Mercedes’s overtures, and many believe he has already agreed a £60 million deal but is desperate to keep it under wraps for fear of destroying his relationship with McLaren at a crucial stage of the season, it could trigger a chain reaction all the way down the grid. It could bump Michael Schumacher into retirement.

The uncertainty has created a vacuum into which new names are being thrown on a daily basis.

Sergio Perez is thought to top the list of possible replacements at McLaren.

The Mexican on Thursday denied that he had fielded any calls from Woking but in all other respects did his best to fan the flames of the rumour, saying he felt “ready” to fight for wins and championships with a top team and denying that his association with Ferrari would count against him.

“I have a nice connection to Ferrari through the Ferrari Academy, but I’m just part of the academy - not part of the Ferrari team,” he said. “So it doesn’t affect [any possible move].”

It was an intriguing statement in the wake of comments from Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo to the effect that the 22 year-old was still too inexperienced to replace the struggling Felipe Massa at Maranello. Perhaps it was merely designed to force Ferrari’s hand. “I fully respect his [Montezemolo’s] opinion,” was all Perez would say.

“It’s only my second year in Formula One. But I feel ready to do a good job with a top team, to fight for the championship.”

The attraction of Perez, apart from his extraordinary ability to manage his tyres which has seen him move through the field with indecent haste on various occasions both this year and last, is his relationship with Telmex and its chairman and CEO Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man.

The telecommunications giant would be a welcome addition to the McLaren stable should Vodafone decide not to renew its title sponsorship deal, as has been rumoured.

In any case, Perez is by no means the only name in the McLaren frame.

The Force India pair of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg have also been thrown into the ring. The former is good friends with Jenson Button but promised on Thursday that he would put that relationship to one side if he got the nod.

“I would still drive over the top of him at the last corner,” the Scot smiled. It was put to di Resta that his contract could be ripped up if he tried anything like that. The 26 year-old has just signed with The Sports Partnership, of which Button is a co-owner.

Kimi Raikkonen, meanwhile, was his usual enigmatic self when asked about his plans for 2013, refusing to confirm even that he would be in the sport. Lotus are thought to have an option on the 2007 world champion, but contracts in Formula One are made to be broken.

It’s the one that remains unsigned, however, which still causes the biggest headache. “I am here to talk about this weekend,” Hamilton began on Thursday, flanked by two McLaren PR men.

“I have no more news so there is no need to even bother asking the questions you are constantly asking me about. Let’s discuss something else.” Indeed. It is all too easy to forget there is a magnificent five-way fight for the championship going on.

Names in the McLaren frame should Hamilton go to Mercedes

Sergio Perez (Sauber)
Has raised eyebrows with some outstanding performances for Sauber this year and would open up the Latin American market. But he’s a Ferrari academy driver. The Italian outfit say 2013 is too early to promote him but would they try to stymie a move to rivals? Likelihood: 4/5

Paul di Resta (Force India)
British, the right age at 26, and has shown good pace in his two seasons with Force India. Also friendly with Jenson Button. But does he offer sponsors enough? And would the fact that he is now managed by Button’s Sports Partnership company count for or against him? 4/5

Nico Hulkenberg (Force India)
Another good prospect, Hulkenberg’s battle with di Resta for Force India bragging rights has been fun to watch. Offers McLaren sponsors something different to an all-British line-up. Says there’s a “good chance” he will remain at Force India for 2013. 3/5

Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
Former world champion and perhaps the only driver available who could replace Hamilton’s pace. The 32-year-old worked at McLaren before and is popular with team. But did not leave on good terms with Ron Dennis and would not relish a return to all the PR. 3/5

Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham)
Sensible, experienced, the only race winner down the grid and rumoured to be in the frame. But hard to imagine McLaren would have him back after he was deemed too slow the first time around. Not exactly an exciting choice. Would be a step backwards. 2/5

Valterri Bottas (Williams)
A big gamble. Has not yet competed in Formula One but has impressed in his various practice outings for Williams. Reckoned to be quick and McLaren have a good record with young Finns. Also managed by McLaren favourites Didier Coton/Mika Hakkinen. 2/5