McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has confirmed Jenson Button will be given full support in next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

It would appear only a miracle can aid Button's quest to retain his title - he trails championship leader Fernando Alonso by 42 points with only 50 to play for from the final two races.

Although the sensible approach would have been for McLaren to throw all their weight behind Lewis Hamilton, who is 21 points off Alonso, upon review Whitmarsh has now decided to continue backing both men.

"While Jenson lies 42 points adrift, he has vowed to fight on," said Whitmarsh.

"As the reigning world champion, and a great driver, he knows better than most that you can't lift the title without being a resolute fighter.

"That's exactly why we hired him, and we'll be supporting him fully next weekend."

Whitmarsh remains convinced McLaren can win both titles, with his team 27 points behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings, and despite Hamilton's claim he is only driving the third fastest car at present.

A resolute Whitmarsh added: "If Formula One has taught us one thing over the past couple of years, it's to never give up hope until the odds are no longer possible, that the most unexpected outcome can become a very real and viable possibility sooner than you can readily imagine.

"With that in mind we go to Brazil, and then on to Abu Dhabi, still determined to wrest both world championships.

"In the constructors', we're only 27 points off top spot, a very slender margin, and one both Jenson and Lewis are convinced we can bridge by the time the chequered flag falls in Abu Dhabi.

"We're ready for battle and working harder than ever to win both world championships."