Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton [ Images ] said he is so tied to McLaren [ Images ] that he will never leave the team.

Hamilton, 23, became the youngest driver to win the world title when he snatched fifth place on the final bend of November's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix [ Images ].

"I was born and grew up at McLaren. It is my home. Yes, I confirm I will never change team," Hamilton told Tuesday's Italian daily Corriere dalla Sera.

• Hamilton a contender for years to come

McLaren team boss Ron Dennis has had a long-standing relationship with Hamilton and the driver highlighted this as a major reason for his desire to stay at McLaren.

"I have a lot of respect for Ron and what he has done for me," he added.

Hamilton also had words of comfort for fellow British driver Jenson Button [ Images ], who could be without a team next season after Honda announced on Friday it would withdraw from Formula One because of the global financial crisis.

The team will fold if a buyer is not found.

"It's a sign for sure. We've known for a bit that there are problems to resolve in the motoring world. I'm sorry for the team and for Button. I hope he finds a way out," he said.