Fernando Alonso says it would be a "good thing" for McLaren if it decided to retain Jenson Button's services for 2016.
McLaren is expected to decide on Button's future in the next few weeks, with the team yet to exercise the option on the 2009 world champion's contract for next season. Eric Boullier said the team "intends" to keep Button alongside Alonso for 2016 but the presence of junior drivers Kevin Magnussen - who is now being linked with Haas F1 - and GP2 series leader Stoffel Vandoorne and the current lack of a Honda customer team complicates McLaren's decision.
Alonso's first season back at McLaren has been difficult, with the team struggling to be competitive with Honda's new power unit, but the Spaniard insists that situation has been made easier by having another former world champion driving alongside him.
"Jenson has been quite good all season," said Alonso. "We've been working together very closely to help the team. The experience Jenson has, it been very, very important for the upgrades we have brought to the car, in terms of the power unit and aerodynamics.
"So if Jenson stays I think it's a good thing for the team. If they decide they need to change something there will be some advantages and some disadvantages for the team, I guess. The only thing I can say, the only thing I know for sure is working with Jenson has been very, very productive for the team and for myself, learning a lot of things."
Last year McLaren did not confirm Alonso's team-mate until December, when Button was given the nod over Magnussen, who dropped into a reserve role. Alonso admits he does not know how it would be working with a less experienced team-mate.
"Working with the other guys, I cannot tell much. But they will make the decision they think is the best for the team and hopefully they do it before Christmas time."