The Finn is now linked strongly with a move to Toyota, or possibly Renault, as McLaren weighs up pairing Hamilton next year with Kimi Raikkonen or Jenson Button.

McLaren insists it operates without a driver hierarchy, but Kovalainen, 27, painted a different picture in conversation with the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

"It was always difficult to accept that Lewis was always the first to receive the new parts.

"I have never wanted to make a big deal about it, but it would have been nice to just once had the new parts on my car, particularly after we lost the chance of winning the championship," he said.

"I could have complained publicly but instead wanted to show the team that I always give maximum effort with the car that I have, and I think they realise that."

Kovalainen also alleges that he has not enjoyed equal status in terms of race strategies.

"Every time this season when Hamilton and I are in the third part (Q3) of qualifying, I had to do it with more fuel.  If you take into account the quantities of fuel, I would have had pole position several times," he insists.

Kovalainen admits his performances at times this season could have been better, but does not rule out staying at McLaren in 2010.

"I am 100 per cent sure that McLaren has not yet made a decision.  We'll see what they do," he said.