Hamilton not driven by cash

Hamilton on Wednesday night stated he wants to remain at McLaren for the rest of his career, claiming a strong emotional tie to a team who have nurtured him for the last nine years.

"I'm very passionate about driving a Formula One car," said Hamilton. "For the team there is a lot of emotion there because I have grown up with them. At the factory everything is perfect with the way things are run and the people there. I love everyone at the team, I enjoy working with them, and I couldn't imagine working anywhere else to be honest."

Asked about a potential lucrative Ferrari offer, Hamilton replied: "I would not find it difficult to say no because I'm not here for the money. It's not something that has driven me to get to Formula One.

"If (team principal) Ron (Dennis) had come up to me last year and said 'I'll give you the drive, but you are not going to get paid,' any driver would have jumped at it. I believe that. Sure every driver has his value and you want to be respected, and at some point you have to be paid your value.

"But again it's not something that drives me. As I've said, I'm really, really happy here. Of course if I'm not happy then Ron and I have to sit down and talk, but that's not the case. I've a great feeling about this team."

They are strong words from a man who has only competed in eight grands prix, and who has his whole motor-racing career ahead of him.

Hamilton, though, is unable to confirm at this stage just how long he will hang around in Formula One, but McLaren will be the only team he will drive for.

"I'm not saying I will be here forever because I might decide to do something else," added Hamilton.

"But if that's a short or a long time, I feel happy to see out my career with McLaren because I'm very passionate about the team."