Alonso challenge excites Hamilton

The reigning GP2 champion also admitted that he will have to push harder than ever before in his career to compete with the double world champion.

Speaking in the build-up to McLaren's official launch in Valencia on Monday, Hamilton said: "It is truly an honour for me to be given this opportunity to work alongside Fernando in my first year as a Formula One driver.

"The shear size of the challenge of working with him and competing against him is what is most exciting."

Hamilton has often been placed alongside competitive drivers when he has raced for top teams in the lower categories, but he has never been faced with a team mate at the level of Alonso.

He added: "All of my former team mates have been hugely competitive and the challenge and excitement come from having to find the answers to the most important question, 'just how far do I need to push myself to beat that person and how far can I go?'

"With Fernando being a two-time world champion, I know I have to dig deeper than ever before which is what I love about being a racing driver."

Hamilton is also hoping to have a steady first season in Formula One as he learns from McLaren and Alonso.

"My aim is always to win but as it is my debut season, I will be working hard to learn as much as possible," Hamilton said in the build-up to the team's official launch in Valencia on Monday.

"I aim to do a steady job for the team and help them progress towards both the constructors' and drivers' championships."

Hamilton added that he has moved to Woking to be closer to the team's base, as he tries to get to know the team as much as possible.

"I am in the McLaren Technology Centre every day," he said. "It gives me the chance to work closely with my new engineers and for us to get to know each other like the back of our hands."

"I train every day in the gym, meet the team members for training and development sessions, and generally get to know the team and watch closely the progress of the new car."