Lewis Hamilton is reportedly on his way out at McLaren. (Photo: Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton is on the brink of leaving McLaren to drive for Mercedes in 2013, the British-based BBC website is reporting.
Hamilton, whose ongoing discussions with McLaren have been well-documented in recent weeks, has been widely expected to re-sign with his current team despite reports that the two sides have been struggling to come to financial terms.
BBC F1 chief analyst Eddie Jordan reportedly says Hamilton will replace Michael Schumacher, who will retire from driving for a second time at the end of the year.
"I believe Hamilton and Mercedes have already agreed personal terms, and a deal could be imminent," Jordan said, according to the BBC website.
A McLaren spokesman told SPEED.com: "We have been told by Lewis Hamilton's management team that the story is untrue."
In a statement issued later, Mercedes said they "do not comment on speculation," but added,"until we are in a position to confirm our full driver lineup for next season, it is inevitable that there will be speculation around this topic."
Hamilton's management team, XIX Entertainment, also released a statement, saying: "As mentioned in the past by all parties, we are in advanced discussions with McLaren about a new deal.
"More importantly, at the moment, Lewis is focused on Monza [this weekend's Italian Grand Prix] and competing strongly for the championship."
Hamilton, the 2008 World Champion, has two victories in 2012 and sits fifth in the driver standings.
The British driver's future with McLaren has been a hot topic in recent weeks, with both sides indicating an interest in staying together for 2013 and possibly beyond.
But Hamilton, whose tendency to speak his mind has occasionally raised eyebrows throughout his career, was reprimanded by team officials last weekend in Belgium for comments posted on his personal Twitter account about his team's decision to revert to an old rear wing before qualifying, rather than use a new wing the team had designed for Spa.
While Hamilton qualified only eighth with the higher downforce wing, teammate Jenson Button — using the newer wing — earned his first pole since 2009.
Button went on to win the race, while Hamilton was eliminated in a wreck in the first turn.