Hamilton: McLaren must pick a team player

Several drivers, including Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, and even the newly-crowned world champion Jenson Button have been linked to the team, which is expected to replace Heikki Kovalainen prior to next season.

"I don't mind who comes to the team as long as they come in peace and bring peace and want to be productive and move the team forward," Hamilton told the Daily Mail.

Though Button has indicated that he would like to stay at Brawn, should the two parties find an agreement on contract terms for next season, Hamilton said he would relish the challenge of racing against his countryman in equal machinery.

"I'd welcome Jenson as my team-mate," said Hamilton. "He's a level-headed and very committed guy. He earned the world championship and he's done a great job over the years. I couldn't be happier for him.

"He will be a tough competitor next year - whether at Brawn or McLaren.

"Of course, Jenson is going to be a tough competitor again next year, but all I hope is that I have a chance to actually race with him from the start of the year, not from the halfway point, as happened this season. It would be awesome, insane."

Hamilton added that he had been satisfied with his and McLaren's recovery through the 2009 season after an uncompetitive and controversial start to the season.

"The season has just got better and better for us as a team," he said. "Last weekend's third place finish in Brazil, from 17th on the grid, felt as satisfying as a win.

"Everything happened so quickly, but it eventually has to catch up with you - and this year it all caught up with me. I know I didn't always make the right decisions, but I still performed in the way I would've hoped.

"What happened with the stewards in Australia and continued at the next race in Malaysia was a time in my life when I had to man-up with an apology. I don't think people were given the whole story, but I had to stand in front of the world and say this is what happened and I am sorry.

"It was the hardest time of my life but I hope people accept I am human and can make mistakes. As for quitting Formula 1, I'm not a quitter. But at the time my emotions were running high and I may have said things I hadn't properly thought through.

"The reality is I love racing. I couldn't be happier in the sport than I am now."