Martin Whitmarsh has indicated that Heikki Kovalainen could face the sack after his performances have left much to be desired.

The Finn has won a measly nine points in the current campaign, and despite the poor showing of the team's cars in general, Whitmarsh has cited driver incompetence when referring to the 27-year-old.

"Heikki has not raced as well as he would have liked and we would have liked him to this year," said Whitmarsh, according to the Sun newspaper.

McLaren's other driver, reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, could have a different team-mate next season with Poland's Robert Kubica and German Nico Rosberg the possible replacements for Kovalainen if he fails to buck up in the latter stages of the season.

Hamilton publically admitted last year that his old karting rival Kubica had the raw talent to rival him in future Formula One championships, and Rosberg has also been seen as one for the future in the sport.