Hamilton and Button all smiles at McLaren launch

It's been a long time coming, but McLaren have finally introduced their 2010 driving line-up of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton to the world and the pair gave a convincing show of unity as they faced the media.

After all the rumours and about their relationship and status within the team the two drivers were all smiles as they took to the stage  at Vodafone's headquarters in Newbury to show off the new McLaren car for 2010.

The pair grinned and filmed the occasion from the stage and swapped jokes during the event, although there were a couple of quips that could be considered barbed.

Hamilton was unable to resist the urge to point out that, unlike his team mate, he had helped design the new car, while Button responded that he hoped it was better than the vehicle Hamilton had raced in last season.

Like Ferrari, McLaren have given their car an overhaul. The 2010 model - the MP4-25 - features a low and narrow rear end and a 'shark fin' wing over the engine cover.

Both drivers said they were looking forward to putting the vehicle through its paces when Formula 1 testing begins on Monday.

Hamilton commented: "It looks completely different, and I feel very proud because I've had some input into this car. I just hope it handles differently to last year," he added.

"I hope so too," replied Button with something of a smirk. Hamilton endured a wretched start to the 2009 season as last year's McLaren car failed miserably, while Button won six of the first seven races for his old team, Brawn.

It was the first time Hamilton and Button have appeared together since they joined forces at the end of the year, and they put on a convincing show of unity. But speculation is rife that Hamilton will be favoured over World Champion Button.

It has been claimed that Hamilton's £12m salary is double that of Button and Hamilton will be given precedence by the team, something McLaren have denied.

It is the first time in Formula One history that the reigning and former world champions have been on the same team. ·