Formula One news

Hamilton would welcome Button as new team-mate

Even though the latest rumours suggest that Brawn GP is close to extending Champion Jenson Button's contract for 2010, predecessor Lewis Hamilton would welcome the new holder of the title as his team-mate at McLaren. The latter has admitted that he would enjoy working alongside anyone who would move the team forward.

"I don't mind who comes to the team as long as they come in peace and want to be productive and move the team forward," Hamilton told The Mail on Sunday. "I'd welcome Jenson as my team-mate. He's a level-headed and very committed guy. He has earned the World Championship and he's done a great job over the years, I couldn't be happier for him. He will be a tough competitor next year, whether at Brawn or McLaren."

Both men are likely to be powered by Mercedes next season, regardless of the teams

Whether the Woking squad boasts an all-British line-up or not, how does Lewis feel with regards to 2010? "I'm looking forward to next year's new McLaren," the Stevenage man continued. "I don't think the team have had a driver who is pushing them as I am - I'm meticulous with everything. It's all about getting the new car to be the best, the lightest and fastest. I have always said I have no desire to be known as a one-time Champion. The love for winning never stops.

"Of course, Jenson is going to be a tough competitor again next year, but all I hope is that I have a chance to actually race with him from the start of the year, not from the halfway point as it happened this season - it would be awesome, insane."

more news

• 23 Nov.
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed
  • Nakajima future in Toyota's hands
  • Klien still hoping for 2010 seat
  • McLaren line-up will work, says Ecclestone
  • López: USF1 deal coming next week
• 22 Nov.
  • Photos: 2009 Toyota Motor Sports Festival
  • Vettel surprised by Button team switch
• 21 Nov.
  • Mercedes: No Schumacher drive with us
  • López close to USF1 deal
  • Options open for Bourdais
• 20 Nov.
  • FIA was using new teams, says Lola
  • Rossi and Newey to contest endurance race
  • Wolff: Worth of privateers on the up
  • Equity sale for 'private motives' - Williams
  • USF1 considering 12 drivers
  • Photos: SKUSA karting event, Las Vegas
  • Buemi and Schumacher to kart in Las Vegas
  • Clock ticking for Silverstone
  • Williams sells first shares
  • Official: Bianchi handed Ferrari test
  • My door is open, says Trulli
  • Button: I needed a new challenge
• 19 Nov.
  • Brawn 'very disappointed' with Button outcome
  • Sons release birthday song for Jackie Stewart
  • Räikkönen: No talks with Brawn
  • No early Brawn exit for Button
  • 'Unfinished business' for Räikkönen
  • 2010: How the grid is shaping up
• 18 Nov.
  • Button move a mistake, says Stewart
  • Donington goes into administration
  • Villeneuve working on F1 comeback
  • Whitmarsh: Money not the reason for Button move
  • Hamilton: Button arrival fantastic news
  • Button: Difficult decision to leave Brawn
  • Confirmed: Button partners Hamilton at McLaren
  • Kubica to compete in second rally

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