McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is confident Lewis Hamilton will not leave the team next season following recent speculation linking him with Red Bull.

Hamilton’s Formula One future became the subject of intense debate during last month’s Canadian GP when reports emerged of a meeting he held with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

The British driver has already played down the speculation, and Whitmarsh sees no reason why Hamilton would quit McLaren at the end of the year.

“Lewis loves this team and he knows the car is capable of winning races,” he told reporters.

“He’s sat with me in the last 10 days and explained his passion, enthusiasm and desire to remain part of this team.

“I’ve known him since he was 11. I don’t think he would look me in the eye and say that if he didn’t mean it.”

Whitmarsh also leapt to the defence of the 26-year-old in the wake of criticism – most notably from Niki Lauda – over his driving style following a series of raceincidents.

“A racing driver has to attack,” Whitmarsh said.

“If you are going to overtake another Formula One car, you are going to take a risk.

“I know Niki and like him, and I accept that there are people around who want to say things to create controversy. Niki’s in that category.

“Does Lewis regret his accidents? Of course, he does and so do I. Would you want him to change his style? With due respect to the great and the good, we’re living in the here and now.”