McLaren is designing the 2013 car for Hamilton and Button

The single-seater for the 2013 McLaren Formula 1 world championship is being designed with the assumption that it will be driven by Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. This was revealed by technical director Paddy Lowe, explaining that the new car has been shaped on the preferences of the current drivers, despite the intense market rumors that Hamilton would like to join Mercedes next year.

“We are working in terms of planning for next year thinking that they will be our drivers. We have two fantastic drivers in Lewis and Jenson and we intend to keep them with us” added Lowe.

However, McLaren's technical director admitted that a surprise driver change "wouldn't be a big problem" in terms of design.

Hamilton, meanwhile, downplayed the rumors about his possible departure from McLaren, reinforced by his lack of joy during the celebrations after the victory in Monza: "We had buried my aunt that week, she was constantly in my thoughts... it was a difficult period for the whole family, and I had a lot of thoughts,” he explained to Reuters. “But she had nothing to do with my alleged discontent. Believe me, I was happy,” he added.