But Hamilton said today: “I do not think that would happen. F1 is a sport which works with manufacturers.

“I cannot imagine it being without Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and Renault and all the other companies. They are a major part of the sport.”

Hamilton realises there is a need for cost-cutting in the current global downturn, but feels F1 will survive.

He also had words of support for Honda, who are seeking a new buyer for their F1 team, and for Honda driver Jenson Button.

“I know Jenson very well and I feel for him. I can imagine how he feels and I send my best wishes to him and his family,” said Hamilton, speaking after teaming up with former world champion Mika Hakkinen to drive black cabs in London as part of the Johnnie Walker anti-drink drive campaign.

“But he is a world class racing driver and I have no doubt in my mind that he will remain in F1 because there are not that many divers out there of his calibre.”

Hamilton insisted he is not allowing the issues surrounding F1 at the moment to distract him from the task of trying to retain his world title.

“I have a job to do and my job is to win the world championship and to try and be a role model,” he said.

“Our focus is on one thing and not to focus on anything that will distract us from the job.

“You can be too confident and you can never be too relaxed. We have always got to be wanting more. You feel the stress and the pressure of being world champion but it is going to be a hard season.

“I hope that we make less mistakes.”

Hakkinen also feels the idea of a standardised engine is a non-starter.

He said: “You will never know what happens but to have the same engine for everyone, it would be unbelievable at the moment. I cannot believe it. It would ruin the sport.”