Hamilton hails Button arrival

Hamilton (L) with new team-mate Button

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Lewis Hamilton has expressed his excitement at the news that reigning world champion Jenson Button is to be his new team-mate at McLaren next season.

Button agreed a multi-year deal with McLaren Mercedes on Wednesday to bring an end to his association with Brawn GP.

It means McLaren will now feature an all-British line-up for the 2010 season and Hamilton believes he and his compatriot will form a formidable team.

"It's fantastic news that Jenson has decided to join Vodafone McLaren Mercedes - and I'm looking forward to working with him and our engineers to make sure we kick off the 2010 season with a car that's competitive enough to win the World Championship," Hamilton said in a statement.

"But I want to send my best wishes for the future to my 2008-09 team-mate and now good friend Heikki Kovalainen, who is one of the nicest human beings I've ever met.

"I already know Jenson, and we get on very well together. We both really want our team to succeed. Although we'll be pushing each other hard, I'm sure we'll very quickly establish a great working relationship.

"He's an exceptional driver: very controlled and very smooth, and he has a real depth of knowledge and experience.

"I think we'll complement each other very well, and our collaboration will make the team stronger as a result.

"Also, I'm delighted to be racing alongside a fellow British World Champion, and I believe we can pull together to make Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the best team on the grid.

Thrilled

"Obviously, as a British driver, I'm also thrilled that we'll be flying the flag for the United Kingdom, and I think today's announcement is fantastic news for all British sports fans.

"I hope they'll be giving us their full support when the season kicks off next March. I'm already looking forward to Silverstone - it'll be massive!

"Looking ahead, I think the results from the second half of 2009 speak for themselves, and I'm convinced we can carry that momentum through the winter and into the new season.

"I've been closely following the development of our 2010 challenger, the MP4-25, and I think it's going to be a state-of-the-art car that will enable both of us to consistently fight for victories."

Like Hamilton, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh also took time to praise Kovalainen for his efforts during his two-year stint with the Woking team.

"I also want to thank Heikki for his selfless contribution over the past two years," Whitmarsh stated. "As well as being very quick, Heikki was and remains a great character whom we'll all miss considerably.

"It goes without saying that we wish him all the best for next season, and would be very pleased if he were to secure a good drive for 2010."