Lewis Hamilton would gladly welcome Jenson Button to McLaren if the rumours of an all-British 'dream team' come to fruition.

Speculation continues to surround the possibility of Button joining forces with Hamilton if the world champion fails to agree a new contract with Brawn GP.

Several rounds of talks have already taken place and Brawn have so far failed to offer a suitable contract to Button.

Button's manager, Richard Goddard, has made it clear it is not all about the money, but more to do with ensuring he is in a car next year which will enable him to defend his title.

It is understood, however, that Button is looking for a return to the £8million he earned before Honda's demise after taking a £5million pay cut to assist Brawn in their hour of need.

Button is to resolve the issues surrounding his future after this weekend's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Much could yet depend on the role of Mercedes-Benz and whether they sever their long-standing ties with McLaren and take a 75% stake in Brawn.

For his part, Hamilton would relish the opportunity of partnering Button, with McLaren appearing certain to part company with Heikki Kovalainen after Sunday.

"I've heard the rumours but the team haven't decided anything and they haven't told me anything," Hamilton said.

"So I'm sitting back and waiting to see what happens. I don't have any preference, if I'm honest.

"I've such a strong relationship with Heikki, I really do think he is a great guy and a great driver and I'm happy with him being my team-mate.

"If things change it will be unfortunate in some ways, but whoever comes I'll welcome them and hopefully they will help us win world championships."

Hamilton at least believes Button will be a stronger rival next year, whether he is at McLaren or not, following his moment of glory in Brazil 12 days ago when he guaranteed himself the title.

"I'm very happy for Jenson. I think he did an incredible job this year," Hamilton added.

"It doesn't seem to have changed him in any way, other than he just seems to be getting stronger, and it's a great experience for him.

"I had an incredible experience when I won the world title so I know exactly what he is going through.

"I try to wish the best for people and I can see how hard he has worked over his career, so I'm just happy a fellow Brit is world champion."

That is why Hamilton is dismissive of the suggestion Button now represents a far greater challenge simply because he is a fellow Briton.

"It doesn't matter where the champion is from. You are always challenging the best," insisted Hamilton.

Hamilton will at least head into the winter safe in the knowledge he and McLaren have managed to turn their season around.

Ahead of the race at the stunning £800million Yas Marina circuit, Hamilton has collected more points from the last seven races (40) than any other driver.

That after an horrendous start to the year, compounded by the 'lie- gate' saga in the wake of his disqualification from the opening race in Australia.

Despite that, Hamilton can sit back and reflect on what he insists has been "a really good year."

He added: "I'm not sitting here thinking 'Shoot, I wish this had happened, I wish that had happened.'

"It's been a long year and I've learned a huge amount and I feel happier because we've had the results.

"I'm not ending the season finishing in last place. We've done a great job as a team.

"I feel my driving has been better than the performance I had from my car, I've scored the most points from the last seven races and I didn't even finish a couple of them.

"So it's been a good experience, definitely one I'll put in the bag and carry with me.

"Hopefully I'll be a bit wiser and better in my decision making as well."