Quitting could destroy Hamilton - Stewart

Apr.9 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton could "destroy his career" if he hastily quits McLaren over the lie-gate scandal, Sir Jackie Stewart has warned.

Some have suggested the reigning world champion's rumoured quit threats are merely his and father Anthony's way of making clear their disgust at being caught up in a saga that has damaged their integrity.

But an authoritative source this week reported that Hamilton, 24, was genuinely overheard in his Kuala Lumpur hotel lobby musing about opportunities that exist for him on the American racing scene.

And Norbert Haug, racing boss for Mercedes, is quoted by the German press this week as revealing that Hamilton "really was very close" to calling it quits after being accused of being a liar.

Stewart, the 69-year-old former triple world champion, believes there would be some sort of 'moral clause' in Hamilton's contract that would allow him to leave McLaren in this sort of situation.

But the Scot warned: "Lewis and his father need to keep cool heads right now. If he goes elsewhere it could destroy his career, certainly put it in jeopardy."

Scandal aside, Stewart also wonders if a better option than McLaren really exists for the Briton.

"McLaren are not competitive right now but there is no reason why there could not be an immense improvement in the next two or three races," he said.