McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton has said he would welcome Jenson Button as his team-mate next season.
Button, who is out of his contract with current team Brawn at the end of the year, has been linked with a switch to McLaren.
Hamilton told the Daily Mail newspaper: "I'd welcome Jenson as my team-mate.
"He'll be a tough competitor next year, whether at Brawn or McLaren."
Hamilton also dismissed suggestions that he was trying to stop McLaren from hiring a top-line team-mate alongside him. Reports had suggested that he was baulking at the idea of partnering Kimi Raikkonen or Nico Rosberg next season.
"I don't mind who comes to the team as long as they come in peace and bring peace and want to be productive and move the team forward," said Hamilton.
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Re: Hamilton: 'I'll race with Button'
Mr Brawn is quoted today as being 99% certain that Button will be driving a Brawn again next season.
Re: Hamilton: 'I'll race with Button'
It was my understanding, that Mercedes, having a stake in McLaren were keen on a German Driver for promotional purposes. Button would be better of at McLaren, they have the clout to bring in the big sponsorship money.
Re: Hamilton: 'I'll race with Button'
Button " I'll race with Hamilton - if I can have the same pay deal ..." ;o)