"No-one is guaranteed selection for the Lions," said Hastings, who was a popular Lions skipper 15 years ago.
"It is completely down to form and consistency. There isn't a quota of players from each country that the coach has to choose. It's all up to the individual players to impress the coaches and then the rest will follow."
Hastings, who won six Test caps for the Lions in 1989 and 1993 and is now an HSBC ambassador, has watched the recent autumn internationals and Heineken Cup double headers knowing how important on-pitch performance is during a Lions season.
"Lions selection is purely down to individual performance, although it does help if your team is playing well. It's simple really, if you play well then you will be selected as a matter of course."
Hastings was the last Scotsman to captain the Lions but, while there is no doubt that his allegiance lies with his home country, he knows there is no certainty that any Scots will make the squad or Test side come next year.
"There is no guarantee that any Scottish players will be chosen. Ian McGeechan doesn't have to pick a certain number of players from each of the four Home Unions. It is about bringing together the best group of players possible.
"If there are 35 Welsh or English players on that tour I don't have any issues with that so long as the Lions have the best chance of winning.
"Having said that, I genuinely believe that there are a few Scots who have already thrown their hats in the ring for Lions selection. I think the Scotland front five are very impressive at the moment and are certainly in contention. Mike Blair also has impressed me with his captaincy and is in with a real chance of touring."
