As speculation regarding the whys and wherefores of Mika Hakkinen's recent McLaren test continues, McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh (right) has denied that the two-time World Champion is being lined-up for a mentoring role with Lewis Hamilton.

Despite the English youngster's undisputed talent, there are some who believe that he may have made the move up to F1 - in the opinion of many, the biggest step of all - just a little too early. Consequently, some have suggested that Hakkinen has been brought in to guide the youngster, with some believing the Finn could replace Hamilton, should he fail to find his 'F1 feet' in the early part of the season.

Talking at the team's Woking HQ, McLaren chief executive Whitmarsh dismissed the speculation, admitting that he doesn't feel the Finn has mentoring qualities.

"I don't think that Mika is a natural mentor, to be honest," Whitmarsh told Reuters. "I think he's got a whole range of good human qualities, but it would be very unusual, unless it's your son, that a successful racing driver has gone on to mentor someone else to emulate what he did. I can't imagine that it would actually be something that would motivate and excite him."

Hakkinen was the centre of attention at last week's Barcelona test, overshadowing Mark Webber's debut with Red Bull and even Hamilton's fist appearance as a McLaren race driver. However, Whitmarsh is playing down speculation regarding talk of an F1 (race) return for the Finn, though he doesn't rule out further tests.

"If Mika came and said 'Actually, I wouldn't mind every six months having another go', I think we'd take it seriously," said Whitmarsh. "Will he ever contribute to the programme again? I think we'd be open to it if he can bring something to the party.

"I think he's probably still searching for what to do next," he added, "do you commit to a life after being a racing driver and what do you do, what's the next great challenge? I don't know, and I don't think today that Mika knows where he's going to go."