Although Wales, Scotland and Ireland are not far away from their own tours, Gatland is also conscious of the difficulties of flying in back-up players in case of injuries.
The former Scotland prop, who was part of the only Lions team to beat the All Blacks in a Test series back in 1971, accused the current head coach of "not liking people from Scotland".
Warburton is now out injured but said he would be fit in time.
"I'm pretty confident that our guys got some confidence beating Ireland in Ireland", Hansen said.
"I've not spoken with Warren since he was last involved with Wales so I've had no inkling of being involved or not. I was in a supermarket auto park and didn't believe him at first".
England supplied 16 players to an enlarged 41-man party for the toughest assignment in world rugby - winning a test series in New Zealand - but there was no room for its captain. Four years on and now a test captain, the hooker was judged on his playing abilities alone but was overlooked in favour of three rivals - Ireland's Rory Best, Wales' Ken Owens and Jamie George, Hartley's understudy for England.
In the backs, New Zealand-born Ben Te'o, the England centre, provides a powerful midfield option, with Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton set to orchestrate the attack.
But despite England having the largest contingent of players in the squad, Launchbury missed out. "They're arguably the form players of the Six Nations".
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The Northampton player, who missed the last Lions tour to Australia in 2013 after when he was suspended after being selected, must now focus on club and country, with England's tour to Argentina overlapping with the Lions in June. Second-row Joe Launchbury doesn't make it despite two man-of-the-match displays in the Six Nations.
Fullbacks-wings: Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, George North (Wales), Anthony Watson, Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell (England), Tommy Seymour (Scotland), Jared Payne (Ireland).
Warren Gatland announced his 41-man British & Irish Lions squad today in West London in front of assembled media. "Probably the hardest one we've had".
"Wherever we go in New Zealand, we're going to be inundated by fans who are incredibly excited about us being there and also very knowledgeable about the Lions, the players, the performances and the expectation as well".
Payne, who played in Ireland's historic first win over the All Blacks in Chicago a year ago, said news of his selection had yet to sink in but he had already received messages from family in New Zealand.
"In previous tours the midweek games tended to be a little easier, but when you look at the quality of the opposition we're facing in midweek (which includes all five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises) it's going to be hugely challenging", said Gatland.
"That's why we've taken a few extra players than we did in 2013, we just needed to make sure we have the depth and quality in the squad to make sure we can handle the quality of the sides we're coming up against".
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