By Andrew Benson Motorsport editor at Silverstone

Hakkinen celebrates winning the British Grand Prix in 2001

Double world champion Mika Hakkinen is considering a return to Formula One, according to McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

"We had a long conversation," said Dennis. "Mika sought my opinion. I gave it as a friend and he went back to Finland to consider the position."

Hakkinen, who won the championship in 1998 and 1999, retired from F1 at the end of the 2001 season.

He has been linked with Williams, but team boss Frank Williams refused to say if he had held talks with the Finn.

"I think Mika may have talked to quite a few people, not necessarily us," said Williams.

"We never talk about our drivers until they're done."

Williams have two places to fill next season, with Mark Webber and Giancarlo Fisichella widely considered to be the front-runners for the seats.