Jenson Button is sure he will have the same team-mate in 2013, believing McLaren to be the best option for Lewis Hamilton.
The 27-year-old has been linked to a seat at Mercedes, replacing Michael Schumacher, after Eddie Jordan speculated that terms had been agreed between the team and the 2008 champion.
Button though, when questioned on the matter in the Monza paddock, says he fully expects Hamilton to remain with McLaren next season.
“I was surprised to see what I read – and I also don’t have a clue if there is any truth in it at all,” he said. “I think I will have the same team-mate next year.”
Button says McLaren is the best option for Hamilton if he wishes to continually fight for the title – something which is less of a guarantee at the struggling Mercedes.
“This is the best choice for him,” added Button. “I think for all of us, if you are in the same place for too long it can get a bit stale: but this is a great team and a team that is always giving us the opportunity to fight for wins.
“But a driver [also] wants the excitement and adrenaline of new challenges and that is the reason why I came here in the first place. I don’t think anything will change next year in terms of driver line-up, but I may be wrong.”
